- Sprains, strains and muscle pulls from lifting heavy items
- Burns, particularly for teens working in the food service industry
- Cuts and contusions
- Fractures
Workplace Accidents Involving Teenagers
April 16, 2012 by Metzger & Kleiner
If you are under the age of 21 and have been hurt on the job, what are your rights? Can you refuse to work in conditions that you believe are unsafe? Do you have a right to file a claim for workers' compensation? Can you report your employer to the state or federal worker protection agencies? Studies show that many teenagers are injured in the workplace. One study showed that more than 225,000 teens suffer work-related injuries every year in the United States, and that more than one-third of these injuries require emergency room care.
Studies also show that teens are more likely to be injured at work than adults. Experts suggest a variety of reasons, including the lack of experience in the workplace, as well the inclination of younger people to pay more attention to socialization at work. The common injuries suffered by teens include: