Training

Training Teen Workers

Teenagers have more accidents at work because they lack the experience to prevent them. As their supervisor, you can help make up for that by showing them how to do the job correctly and safely—and explaining clearly the risks of not following these steps. Don’t assume that a young person will understand what could go wrong. When you’re training a young person to work safely, follow these steps:

  • Provide clear instructions on the procedures to follow, including specific safety precautions.
  • Ask the young person to repeat the instructions, then ask for and respond to any questions.
  • Show the trainee how to perform the task correctly and safely.
  • Ask the trainee to perform the task while you watch.
  • Correct any mistakes; ask for and answer any questions.
  • Check back periodically to make sure the young person is still performing the task correctly and safely.

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If a task involves using or working around any kind of equipment, demonstrate how to use it safely. Explain such essential safety precautions as:

  • Keeping machine guards in place
  • Leaving machine and electrical repair and maintenance to trained, authorized people
  • Turning off or disconnecting equipment at the end of a task or shift
  • Keeping areas clear around exit doors and sprinklers
  • Cleaning up spills promptly
  • Lifting properly with the knees, not the back
  • Checking labels and material safety data sheets for chemicals, cleaning products, and other materials to identify hazards and safety precautions
  • Placing tools, sharp objects, and other potentially harmful items in their proper locations—and never where they could accidentally fall, puncture, or cause other injuries

Train young workers on when and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Whether they need hard hats, gloves, or safety shoes, show them where to get PPE, how to inspect it and use it, and how to remove it and put it away properly.

Also inform young workers about what to do in an emergency. Familiarize them with:

  • Fire alarms
  • Emergency exits and evacuation routes
  • Emergency contacts
  • Location of first-aid supplies

Even after you explain safety hazards and precautions, keep an eye on young workers. Ensure they’ve learned to perform tasks properly and are doing so every time. Also encourage older workers to set a good example. Safety has to be everyone’s habit, every day.

Finally, encourage young workers to feel comfortable asking questions. Take their questions and concerns seriously. Praise them for asking and explain the how and why of safety procedures. Help get them off to a good start on their working lives and develop the habits they’ll need for success. They’ll benefit from developing the habit of beginning a job by stopping to identify hazards—then following the safety precautions needed to prevent accidents. Even if their future work doesn’t present the same hazards as their job here, thinking before acting and then acting on the basis of knowledge has benefits far beyond safety.


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Why It Matters

  • Every year, tens of thousands of teen workers are injured on the job. Some die as a result.
  • One study found that more than half of teens with job-related injuries that limited their activities for a day or more reported they hadn’t been trained to prevent the injury they experienced.
  • Only about 20 percent said a supervisor was present when they were injured.
  • Certain jobs and hazards seem to have more than their share of teen work-related deaths and injuries. Number one is working in or around motor vehicles, either driving or riding in cars or trucks or having an accident with a vehicle while walking or riding a bicycle.

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