Are you safe?
Every year:
- 70 young workers ages 14-17 die as a result of occupational injuries each year
- Another 200,000 are injured
Check the stats at the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Do you know your rights?
Your employer is responsible for making sure the workplace is safe, and you have rights when it comes to safety:
- The right to be trained on any machinery
- The right to know about any chemicals you will be using on the job
- Easy access to emergency phone numbers (numbers should be posted)
- The right to know what to do in an emergency (information should be posted)
- The right to file a complaint if you are a victim of sexual harassment, either by your supervisor or a co-worker
Your employer does not have the right to put you in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation:
- If you don't feel safe in your workplace or if you aren't comfortable performing a task, SPEAK UP. If you are scared, talk to your parents or another trusted adult to ask for help.
- If you're worried about an employer trying to get back at you (such as firing you), there are laws to help protect you.
If you feel someone at work is acting against you because you pointed out unsafe practices, you can file a complaint by contacting your local OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) office or by calling
1-800-321-OSHA.
