Chances are you remember your first summer job. Maybe you delivered newspapers or hauled bales of hay on the farm. Looking back, the experience and skills you gained on the job was invaluable. And the money you earned helped pay for college or to buy a new stereo.
Each year, about 6 million young people swell America’s workforce by taking summer jobs. It seems like a win-win situation for everyone involved. But hiring young workers can be risky for your company if they aren’t properly trained.
It’s a proven fact that new employees are more likely to be injured on the job than seasoned workers. The statistics rise dramatically for younger workers. According the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 335 young workers died in job-related injuries in 2013.
If you are hiring young workers this summer follow these safety tips from OSHA to reduce work-related injuries.
- Communicate with your young employees. Giving them clear instructions for every task they are responsible for will cut potential injuries. Encourage them to ask questions. When new employees, especially teenagers, understand why they’re being asked to do something, they’re more apt to comply.
- Make sure equipment operated by young workers is safe and legal to run. Let them know what equipment they are not allowed to use. Young workers should never work alone.
- Train young workers to recognize job hazards and to know what to do if they get hurt on the job. They also should know how to report an injury, or spot a hazard.
- Provide young workers with personal protective equipment required for your industry such as steel-toed shoes and hard hats.
For more information on hiring young workers visit OSHA’s teen worker website by clicking here or give me a call – that’s what I’m here for! 203-265-0996
Make it a safe and happy summer for your company and for your young workers.
At Sinclair Risk & Financial Management, managing risk is in our DNA.
Jonathan Belek
jbelek@srfm.com
Construction Risk Management Consultant