As teenagers start working they are learning new skills and often working in unfamiliar environments. It is the employer’s legal obligation to train all workers on potential hazards to help reduce injuries. The information in this section will help ensure a safe experience for young workers.
Each year North Dakota has an average of 775 claims filed for workers 19 years old and younger. A majority of WSI’s claims, for all ages of workers, occur within the first year on the job.
If the injury is life-threatening, please go directly to the nearest emergency room. In all other cases, please report the injury to your employer immediately after it happens.
As a young worker, you play an important role in workplace safety and health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, there were approximately 19.4million workers younger than 24 years old, which accounted for 12% of the workforce. As a young worker, you need to understand your rights, as well as what's needed to stay safe on the job.
Teen Actions
- Follow all safety rules and instructions
- Ensure you receive the necessary training to perform your job properly and safely
- Always wear the proper safety equipment needed to do your job
- Report any safety concerns to your supervisor
- Be aware of potential workplace hazards
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure
- Ask for help if needed
- If something feels unsafe, don’t do it
OSHA - Workers' Rights
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration outlines the following rights you have at work
- Work in a safe place
- Receive safety and health training in a language that you understand
- Ask questions if you don’t understand instructions or if something seems unsafe
- Use and be trained on necessary safety equipment, such as hard hats, goggles and ear plugs
- Exercise your workplace safety rights without retaliation or discrimination
- File a confidential complaint with OSHA if you believe there is a serious hazard or that your employer is not following OSHA standards
Resources
As an employer you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your teen workers. The following information will provide the knowledge needed to ensure your teen worker's safety.
Employer Actions
- Be aware that a teenager’s decision-making process is not yet fully developed; therefore, they may not always be able to recognize unsafe behavior
- Understand that this could be the teens’ first job so they may not be aware of safety requirements. Provide initial safety orientation and ongoing safety training for all employees. Consider adopting a Safety Mentoring Program in addition to orientation. For more information, see the Safety Orientation section of the Safety Action Menu.
- Ensure all assignments and equipment use comply with North Dakota’s Department of Labor laws
- Consider participating in WSI’s Safety Incentive Programs to assist in the development and improvement of the safety and health of your workplace
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration outlines the following employer responsibilities for all workers:
- Provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards and follow all OSHA safety and health standards
- Find and correct safety and health hazards
- Inform employees about hazards in the workplace and train them about applicable OSHA standards in a language they understand
- Provide safety training on workplace hazards
- Provide the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and pay for most types of required PPE
ND Department of Labor and Human Rights - Key Requirements
- 14- and 15-year-olds must file an Employment and Age Certificate with the Department of Labor and Human Rights in order to work
- There are limited work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds
- Prohibits certain hazardous employment and some employment tasks for 14- and 15-year-olds
- Under North Dakota law there are no restrictions for persons over the age of 16. However, there are federal child labor laws for anyone under the age of 18
Resources
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Parents of working teenagers play an important role in their teen’s safety. It is crucial that parents take an active role in keeping their teens safe. North Dakota’s Department of Labor and Human Rights has regulations that limit the type of work teenagers can do.
Parental Actions
- Be involved in your teen’s employment, know who they are working for as well as the type of work they do. See the ND Department of Labor and Human Rights – Key Requirements section below for information on the limitations and restrictions
- Ensure that your teenager is aware of potential safety hazards and has received adequate safety training. Make sure that your teenager knows what to do in the event of an emergency
- Monitor your teen’s progress at work
ND Department of Labor and Human Rights - Key Requirements
- 14- and 15-year-olds must file an Employment and Age Certificate with the Department of Labor and Human Rights in order to work
- There are limited work hours for 14- and 15-year-olds
- Prohibits certain hazardous employment and some employment tasks for 14- and 15-year-olds
- Under North Dakota law there are no restrictions for persons over the age of 16. However, there are federal child labor laws for anyone under the age of 18
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- Since 2011, North Dakota has had 4 fatalities of workers under the age of 19
- According to the CDC, “In 2020, 352 workers under the age of 25 died from work-related injuries, including 26 deaths to workers under 18 years of age".
- Teens are more likely to receive injures when not properly trained or supervised on the job
- The majority of teen injuries in North Dakota are lacerations, strains/sprains, contusions, burns & fractures; but some teens, each year, will end up on disability due to severe injuries
- Disability can change the course of a teenager’s life and possibly close the door on their dreams for the future
