Young Workers are at Increased Risk of Work Injury

The dog days of summer are here in New Jersey. Swimming pools, amusement parks, summer camps and movie theaters are all busy. In addition to being busy these institutions of summer typically employ a large number of young people. As the rate of employment for young people goes up in the summer, so does their chance of suffering a work injury, or dying, on the job.

In 2016, almost 400 young people died performing summer jobs. They ranged in age from younger than 16 to 24 years old. Companies bringing on young summer help need to be sure that their young employees receive the proper safety training and instruction for the job they are expected to perform. Training may need to be modified for the younger group to ensure that each of them are receiving the needed training. Pairing a younger worker with an older more experienced worker can be a means to achieve this.

In addition to training, it is imperative that young employees have the necessary licenses and certifications for their jobs. This would apply to lifeguards, camp counselors or teens hired to transport people or things. Above all, it is imperative that young employees understand safety protocols and procedures.

Regardless of how careful a young person may be in New Jersey, a work injury can still occur. A young person who is injured on the job may be uncertain of what his or her rights are under the law. A confidential conversation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can assist a young person to understand his or her rights. A knowledgeable lawyer can aid his or her client in determining what legal avenues may be open to him or her.