Young worker

Overview

Workers are most likely to be injured during their first year on the job. Important ways to prevent workplace injury and death are for young workers to be aware of hazards and to be empowered to voice their concerns. Below are resources to help educate young workers, employers, parents, and educators on young worker safety. For more information on this topic, visit our general information page.

Publications

Brochures/Guides
- Employer: Communicating with young workers [SAIF]
  Empleador: Comunicación con los trabajadores jóvenes [SAIF]
  SAIF Corporation - Cada generación tiene cualidades particulares. El saber lo que cada grupo valora y cómo piensa puede lograr comunicación mejor y un entorno laboral más seguro.
  Spanish 03/01/2014
- Employers: Communicating with young workers [SAIF]
  Learn about different, and effective, ways to communicate with young workers such as positive reinforcement and frequent feedback.
  English Communicating with young workers 03/01/2014
- You've got your whole life ahead of you: Safety at work for young workers
  Seguridad en el trabajo para menores
  Cubre los derechos de los trabajadores menores de edad, las responsabilidades del empleador; incluye consejos para trabajadores jóvenes.
  Spanish 12/02/2008
- Young Worker: Tips for preventing young worker injuries [SAIF]
  Trabajador joven: Sugerencias para evitar lesiones a los trabajadores jóvenes [SAIF]
  Hay muchos peligros en el lugar de trabajo, aprende sobre las maneras en que puede lastimarse.
  Spanish 03/01/2015
- Young worker safety
  Covers the young workers' rights and employers' responsibilities; includes workplace safety tips for young workers.
  English Order printed copy 08/08/2019
- Young worker: Tips for preventing young worker injuries [SAIF]
  There are many dangers in the workplace. Learn about some of the ways you can injure yourself.
  English 03/01/2015
- Youth @ Work - Talking safety high school curriculum
  This brochure explains the comprehensive young worker safety training curriculum available from our training resources.
  English Training resources 04/22/2010
Labels and stickers
- R-Rated Equipment
  Place this sticker on equipment that is not to be used by workers younger than 18 years old.
  English Order printed copy 08/05/2013
Reports
- On-the-job fatality information for young workers in Oregon
  Tells the stories of young workers aged 16-24 who were killed on the job in Oregon from 2003 through 2006.
  English 10/15/2007

Education and training

Online course
- Young Employee Safety Awareness online training
  This 45-minute training provides young workers with an awareness of health and safety at work.
  11/21/2016
Resources
- Youth @ Work - Talking Safety
  This teaching resource for educators helps inform young workers of job health and safety.
  English Training program

Grant program
- Young Employee Safety Awareness Online Training student workbook
  Use this workbook to accompany the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
  English Workbook pdf 11/21/2016
Online course
- Restaurant Safety for Young Workers
  This training educates young workers in restaurants on the risks that may apply to them in their industry. Uses Adobe Flash Player.
  English Online course html

Rules and rule-related

No items are currently available

Video Resources

Borrow from the Resource Center

Young Workers
See available titles
Borrow DVDs about Young Workers from the Resource Center

Watch Online

Box Lifting 101
Learn how to safely lift boxes and prevent injury.
English 1:48 minutes
Safe vs. Unsafe
What do young workers need to think about before starting a job? This video covers general awareness for teens about speaking up on the job and being properly trained.
English 1:41 minutes
Safe: A Restaurant Musical
Restaurants are full of risks to the untrained worker. This musical covers the basics of restaurant safety.
English 2:14 minutes
Shoots and Ladders: A Guide to Ladder Safety
More Oregon workers are injured in falls from ladders than from any other elevated surface. The young worker in this video shows how common mistakes can lead to accidents.
English 1:15 minutes
The Matthew Bowcott Story - Worksafe BC
Disclaimer: Contains graphic images of injuries. Not suitable for some audiences. Matthew Bowcott's personal story of how he was badly injured in a restaurant when he was just 19 is a testament to every worker’s right to know the hazards, to speak up about safety concerns, and to refuse unsafe work.
English 7:27 minutes
WorkSafeBC Listen to Your Gut
If something doesn’t feel safe at work, would you talk to your boss or supervisor about it?
English 30 Seconds

Additional Resources

O[yes]

This nonprofit agency works towards reducing young worker deaths and injury by educating and providing resources for young worker, employers, educators, and parents.

Promoting U Through Safety & Health

This training curriculum focuses on safety, communication, and health for young workers.

Work Safe BC

Visit this website for more resources and information on young worker’s safety.

Federal OSHA - Young workers

Learn about federal OSHA standards for workplace safety.

My Safe Summer Job

Spread knowledge of young worker safety through an established communication campaign.

Wage and hour regulations

Visit the Bureau of Labor and Industries website on child labor laws in Oregon.

Employment of Minors

Learn more about the limitations that are placed on young workers younger than 18 as they enter the workforce.