Citing statistics that show work-related injury rates for young workers are higher than those among adult workers, state agencies are increasing educational outreach to employers, schools, and young workers.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, national work-related injury rates for young workers are higher than those among adult workers. More than 350 workers under the age of 24 died in 2009 from work-related injuries in the United States, and it is estimated that only one-third of teens injured on the job seek medical treatment.
Deborah Pease, Occupational Health Epidemiologist at the Connecticut Health Department and chair of the Young Worker Health and Safety Team, said the effort is designed to support young workers by educating them about potential workplace hazards, informing them of their rights as workers, and ensuring employers meet their responsibilities for providing the safest work environments possible.
The Connecticut Young Worker Health and Safety Team, comprised of professionals representing state agencies and federal programs and organizations, is focused on youth development in the state’s schools, communities and workplaces. Members include representatives from the Connecticut Departments of Education, Labor, and Public Health; U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division; U.S. OSHA; CONN-OSHA and ConnectiCOSH; Capitol Region Education Council; CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund; and Central Connecticut State University.
The team offers school workshops regarding working papers, and young worker safety awareness professional development seminars through a train-the-trainer model.
Those seeking resources or more information can visit the team’s website.
