Today OSHA Celebrates National Young Worker Safety Day

Today, regulators and safety advocates across the U.S. are celebrating National Young Worker Safety Day to help educate younger workers, informing them that they have the same rights as any other worker.

For National Young Worker Safety Day, OSHA and others are pointing out how these workers can stay safe at work, a trusted Denver workers compensation lawyer explains.

While OSHA and other agencies are hoping to teach young workers how to stand up  for their rights, safety advocates are focused on helping young workers identify and avoid workplace hazards so they can stay safe on the job.

Speaking to the importance of National Young Worker Safety Day, Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, has stated:

Safety is a foundation that every workplace should be built on because all workers have the right to return home at the end of the day healthy and safe, regardless of their age or how long they are on the job…Young workers are new to the job so it's especially important that employers make sure they receive the training and protective gear they need to stay safe on the job.

How Often Young Workers Are Getting Hurt on the Job

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), “young people are often among the most vulnerable members of our nation’s workforce.” Taking a look at the statistics related to younger worker injury rates helps elucidate this point. In fact, as the DOL has revealed:

  • About every 9 minutes, an American teen is injured on the job.
  • Workers who are younger than 25 are about two times more likely than older workers to be hurt at work.
  • More than 330 young workers died in fatal work accidents in 2013 (the most recent year for which complete statistics are now available).

A Closer Look at the Risks Young Workers Face on the Job

Different jobs come with different safety risks. For younger workers in the U.S. workforce who typically work during the summer (i.e., seasonally), however, some specific job-related risks they can face include (but are not limited to):

  • Heat exposure, especially if they work outdoors during the summertime – To combat this risk, OSHA is reminding young workers to remember that Water, Rest, Shade can protect them from the possibly life-threatening complications associated with heat illnesses.
  • Falling accidents, particularly for those who work in the construction industry, roofing industry or any occupation that requires them to work at heights – To reduce the risk of falls, OSHA is reminding these young workers and their employers to Plan, Provide, Train to save lives.

What do you think about these efforts to inform and protect young workers? Share your comments with us on Facebook & Google+.

Denver Workers Compensation Lawyer at the Law Office of Steven J. Picardi

If you have been hurt at work, it’s time to contact an experienced Denver workers compensation lawyer at the Law Office of Steven J. Picardi.

With more than 30 years of combined workers’ compensation experience, our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Colorado workers’ compensation law, strong credentials and a significant record of success. This has helped them to defend employers and represent injured employees in all phases of workers’ compensation litigation. Our firm’s lawyers remain abreast of the latest changes in workers’ compensation laws and are ready to use their skills and knowledge to your advantage.

Contact Us

For experienced legal advocacy in defending or filing a workers’ compensation claim, contact the Picardi Law Firm for a consultation by calling (303) 778-8881 or by emailing us using the form at the top of the screen.

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram