Safety On The Job Is a Big Concern To Parents And Teens

Who doesn't remember their first job? For many, it came during their high school years. Whether working at McDonald's, delivering newspapers or cleaning animal cages at the zoo. No matter where you work, safety on the job is a big concern to parents and teens.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, every year about 70 teens die from work injuries in the United States. Another 70,000 get hurt badly enough to go to a hospital emergency room.

The big question is why? Teens are often injured on the job due to unsafe equipment, stressful conditions and often, inadequate safety training and supervision. As a teen, you are much more likely to be injured when working on jobs that you are not allowed by law to do.

Talking to teens about their rights and experiences at work is a great way to keep communication flowing. Explain that there are laws to protect teens against sexual harassment and discrimination, and encourage your child to come to you with all work-related concerns, especially if anything "doesn't feel right."

By investing some time in research beforehand, your teen can have a fun, worthwhile, and safe job experience.