Table of Contents

Introduction

Extreme Safety For Working Teens

What Are My Rights On The Job?

What Are My Responsibilities On The Job?

What Should I Do Before I Get The Job?

Is It Ok To Do Any Kind Of Work?

Restricted Work

What Hazards Should I Watch Out For?

What If I Need Help?

• Each year in the U.S. 60-70 teens die from work-related injuries.

• 200,000 seek emergency medical treatment.
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Work experience can be a great benefit to you – but it may also be hazardous! It is MIOSHA’s* mission to prevent injuries and help protect teen workers by promoting positive work experiences.
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By law, you are entitled to:

• A safe and healthful workplace.
• Protective equipment should be provided by your employer, when needed, like safety glasses, gloves and aprons.
• Training on the hazards of the job and how to protect yourself.
• Payment for medical care if you get hurt or sick on the job. You may be entitled to lost wages.
• A legal minimum wage-as defined by your age.
• Report serious safety problems to MIOSHA.
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To work safely you should:

• Follow safety rules and instructions.
• Use safety equipment and protective clothing when needed.
• Leave safety guards in place.
• Keep work areas clean and neat.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• Look out for co-workers.
• Report safety and health hazards to your supervisor.
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A new job – especially your first one – can make you nervous. So you may not think to ask about safety at work. But you need to know about workplace hazards. Here are some
good questions to ask.

• Does the job involve hazards, like working with chemicals, hot grease, high noise levels or heavy equipment? If so, will I be trained on how to prevent injuries?
• Is there any safety gear I’ll be expected to wear? If so, when will it be provided?
• What health and safety orientation will I get before starting work?
• What are my health and safety responsibilities, and who do I go to with concerns?
• If I’m hurt at work, what should I do? Who’s the first aid person?

. . . After I'm Hired

Your boss can’t read your mind. So if you’re ever not clear about doing something safely…ask about it. Saying you’re not sure or uncomfortable can be hard, even for experienced workers. But it’s more than worth it.
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NO! There are laws that protect teens from doing dangerous work.
In Michigan, workers under 18 may not:

• Drive a motor vehicle as part of the job (pizza delivery, etc.).
• Drive a forklift.
• Use powered equipment like a circular saw, box crusher, meat slicer, or bakery machine.
• Work in wrecking, demolition, excavation, or roofing.
• Come in contact with hazardous substances, chemicals, explosives, or radioactive substances.
• Work on logging or a sawmill.
• Perform brazing, welding, soldering or heat treating, for those less than 16 years of age. [Back to Table of Contents]

Special approval for some restricted work for 16- and 17-year-olds may be authorized. Employers must apply for special approval to the Wage & Hour Division.
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* Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA)

MIOSHA CET #0143 (Rev. 4/06)

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