The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation Announces Safe Jobs for Youth Month, May 2020

OAKLAND —The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) announces Safe Jobs for Youth Month. Every May, statewide organizations and government agencies participate in and support a public awareness information campaign consisting of fun and engaging learning activities about workplace safety for teenagers. This year is no different. While the COVID-19 virus pandemic is altering this year’s summer planning for youth, youth employers and all employers alike, the need for safe working conditions does not change. In fact, the current health crisis highlights the importance of job-related training in proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), worker rights and the freedom to report hazards, and awareness of the types of hazardous tasks that youth are prohibited from performing regardless of skill or training.

To address the developing hazards related to COVID-19, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) of the Department of Industrial Relations has posted infection prevention guidance for employers and workers. This guidance helps employers comply with requirements to keep employees safe, and gives workers information on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, California is issuing regular updates on COVID-19, including Coronavirus resources for California employers and workers compiled by the Labor & Workforce Development Agency.

Safe Jobs for Youth Month is supported by the California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety, sponsored by CHSWC, and coordinated by the University of California, Berkeley Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP). The objective of the campaign is to educate youth and inform employers, parents and the community about workplace health and safety to help prevent teen workplace injuries. The campaign is scheduled to help better prepare youth as they seek or begin summer employment opportunities. Activities and resources include a poster contest, a social media campaign, fact sheets, and trainings on safety topics, including prevention of COVID-19 exposure for retail and service workers. Additional resources include a Working Teen mobile app which can be reviewed or downloaded for free. 

To raise awareness about teen worker safety in California, the California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety brings together key representatives from government agencies and statewide organizations involved with California youth employment and education issues or that otherwise play a role in educating and protecting young workers.

CHSWC is charged with examining the health and safety and workers’ compensation systems in California and recommending administrative or legislative modifications to improve their operation. The Commission was established to conduct a continuing examination of the workers’ compensation system and of the state’s activities to prevent industrial injuries and occupational illnesses and to examine those programs in other states.

Visit YoungWorkers.org for more information about the California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety and Safe Jobs for Youth Month.

 

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