Hazards
Young workers get injured or sick on the job for many reasons, including:
- Unsafe equipment
- Inadequate safety training
- Inadequate supervision
- Dangerous work that is illegal or inappropriate for youth under 18
- Pressure to work faster
- Stressful conditions
Workplace hazards associated with specific jobs are another major cause of injuries and illnesses. Employers must work to reduce or minimize hazards in the workplace and train employees how to work safely on the job.
Retail/Grocery Stores/Convenience Stores
Food Service/Fast Food
- Sharp objects
- Hot cooking equipment
- Slippery floors
- Electricity
- Heavy lifting
- Violent crime
Janitorial/Cleanup/
Maintenance
- Hazardous chemicals
- Slippery floors
- Heavy lifting
- Blood on discarded needles
- Electricity
- Vehicles
Outdoor Work
- Heat
- Landscaping
- Pesticides and chemicals
- Machinery and vehicles
- Electricity
- Heavy lifting
- Noise
Construction
- Falls
- Machines and tools
- Hazardous materials
- Confined space
- Electricity
- Struck-by
- Vehicle back-over
- Noise
Industry
- Moving equipment
- Hot equipment
- Hazardous chemicals
- Electricity
- Heat
- Noise
Agriculture
OSHA Is Here to Help!
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the agency of the Department of Labor (DOL) that protects workers from dangers on the job that can cause injuries or illnesses. OSHA is here to help you. Call us on our toll-free number: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or TTY 1-877-889-5627 to get answers to your questions, or to ask OSHA to inspect your workplace if you think there is a serious hazard. You can also submit a question online. To file a confidential complaint about workplace hazards, visit our How to File a Complaint page for instructions.