Safety Update

Safety Update: Top 5 Worst Teen Jobs

Summer break is here and many teens use the summer months to earn money for college, a car or other expenses. Unfortunately, proportionally, most incidents resulting in lost time and even fatalities occur amongst youth workers between 15 and 24 years of age. So let's create some focus and awareness amongst our youth so this summer remains full of fond memories.

The National Consumers League recently issued a report detailing some of the dangers faced by teen workers; this can be equally applied to the Canadian industry.

"In 2006, there were an estimated 52,600 work-related injuries and illnesses among youth 15 to 17 years of age requiring treatment in hospital emergency departments," the consumer group said in its "2009 Five Worst Teen Jobs" report. "The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that 158,000 youth sustain work-related injuries and illnesses each year."

While some jobs -- like construction work -- have obvious dangers, the consumer group said even retail work can pose hidden dangers when teens are asked to work alone at night where they may be vulnerable to robberies and assaults.

"At times, young workers performing seemingly safe jobs are asked to do unsafe things like use trash compactors -- something the law specifically prohibits them from doing because it is too dangerous," the report said.

The consumer group issues its list annually to remind teens and their parents that some jobs can be dangerous.

"These jobs can contribute to a child's development and maturity, and teach new skills and responsibilities, but the safety of each job must be a consideration," the consumer group said.

The top five worst teen jobs for 2009 as compiled by the National Consumers League are:

• Agriculture -- harvesting crops.

  "Farms look safe but they are actually very dangerous workplaces," the report said. Agriculture is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous industries in America."

• Construction and height work.

  "According to Bureau of Labor Statistics fatality records, construction and roofing are two of the 10 most dangerous jobs in America," the report said. "In 2007, an estimated 372,000 workers of all ages were injured in construction accidents and construction led other industries in the number of deaths among all workers."

• Driver/operator -- forklifts, tractors and all terrain vehicles.

  "Each year nearly 100 workers are killed in forklift accidents," the report said. "Another 20,000 workers are seriously injured in forklift-related accidents."

• Traveling youth crews/door-to-door sales.

  "Parents should not allow their children to take a traveling sales job," the report said. "The dangers are too great. Without parental supervision, teens are at too great a risk of being victimized."

• Outside helper -- landscaping, groundskeeping and lawn service.

  "Landscaping and yard work is a frequent entry point into the job market for teenagers," the report said. "However, the sharp implements and machinery used to do the work present dangers for teens. Often young workers are left unsupervised for long periods of time."

The consumer group recommends parents discuss potential job dangers with their teenage children before allowing them to take a job. "They should empower their children to confront their supervisors when they are asked to do unsafe tasks," the report said. "They should not be afraid to inquire about safety training."

A full copy of the report "2009 Five Worst Teen Jobs" is available at the National Consumers League website. Also explore their site for other insightful and relevant articles.

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