Teen workersSchool is out and it’s time for summer break. For some students that means summer sports, but for others that means summer jobs. There are many job options for teen workers. Restaurants, retail, farms, construction, and the list goes on. Having a job as a teen is  a great way to earn experience working with the public, learning responsibility and earning a paycheck. For first time workers there can be excitement about getting into the workforce, however, there are extra safety tips to keep in mind.

Your teen’s employer is not the only one responsible for making sure that he or she is safe on the job. Taking a proactive approach and providing your child with guidance is essential during this time. Each job field has specific risk associated to it. Help your child identify these risks and learn the appropriate steps to avoid them.

Restaurant Safety For Teen Workers

Working at a restaurant is a common first job for many teens. Some safety tips to keep in mind include:

  • Use caution around knives and other sharp utensils.
  • Protect yourself and others from slips, trips and falls by promptly cleaning up spills and wearing appropriate non-slip shoes.
  • Take steps to prevent burns.
  • Using food preparation methods that prevent food borne illness.

Construction Safety For Teen Workers

Construction offers appealing careers and might be the industry a teen worker can see a future in. Starting out as a summer worker helps gain experience and build relationships that could lead to permanent jobs after high school. This field unfortunately comes with some higher risks. Consider these facts about safety on the construction site:

  • Falls are the leading cause of death on construction sites. Stay away from openings and unguarded edges.
  • Strains ans sprains are the most frequently occurring injuries in construction. Watch where you step and how you bend and lift.
  • Washing your hands thoroughly before eating or drinking on the construction site will prevent sickness.
  • Hard hats, steel-toed boots, and other protective equipment should always fit your properly and comfortably.

Agricultural Safety For Teen Workers

Working on a farm is a common job for many teens in rural Ohio. Weather it’s a family farm or just a local in your town, this is a great way to earn some extra cash. Large machinery is a necessity and create their own set of risks.

  • Tractors – Dangers of tractors involve roll-overs, run-overs, collisions, exposure to moving machinery, hazardous weather conditions and uneven terrain. Make sure to get proper training before operating a tractor.
  • Falls – Falls are the most common accident in agriculture. Falling from heights as low as 12 feet can result in serious injuries or even death.  Always wear proper, non-slip shoes and follow all safety precautions when climbing up and down.
  • Chemicals – Pesticides and other chemicals used in agriculture can be hazardous to your health. Always were proper protection and use extreme caution when applying them.
  • Confined Spaces – Confined spaces that are not properly ventilated can case you to be overcome by gas buildup. Follow all safety procedures when working in confined spaces.
  • Dust – If you’re working on a place on the farm with large amounts of dust, such as grain bins, uncapped silos or dusty fields, you are at risk of Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). Wear masks, respirators or any other provided personal protective equipment.

Stay Involved

Staying involved with your child’s training in the new time period can help them learn important life skills and safety precautions. Learning to be aware of their surroundings and identify potential hazards will not only help ensure they have a great summer, but will set them up for a safe future.

One last thing to keep in mind if your teen worker is a teen driver. Do you need to make any adjustments to your auto insurance? Are they covered correctly? Are you purchasing them their own car? Contact  your agent today to verify your insurance is in order.

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