The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently reminded employers hiring youth-aged workers to review workplace practices and comply with federal child labor laws to ensure these hires have a safe and beneficial experience.
In 2021, the DOL indicated workplace injuries and illnesses among youth-aged employees—those who are under 18 years old—have been rising since 2017. Employers most commonly hire young workers in the summer, with July typically being the peak employment month. Employers should do all they can to ensure the safety of their younger employees.
The DOL provides seven strategies and various resources for creating a safe and healthy workplace for youth-aged employees.
- Verify Ages of Youth-aged Workers
- Ensure Managers Are Trained on Child Labor Laws
- Educate Youth-aged Workers on Prohibited Jobs and Permitted Schedules
- Review Time Records
- Post Warning Labels on Prohibited Equipment
- Train Youth-aged Workers on Job Hazards and Safety Precautions
- Encourage Youth-aged Workers to Raise Safety Concerns
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