16 & 17 year olds are valuable to your workplace and are part of a long-term solution to workforce sustainability – especially in manufacturing. There are some things they cannot do!
No-No’s
*Driving on public streets as part of job
*Using power tools or machinery
*Wrecking, demolition, excavation, roofing
*Mining, logging, sawmilling, forestry services, forest firefighting
*Working in meat or poultry plants that slaughter, package or process
*Manufacturing brick, tile or related materials
*Working where radiation is present
*Working where explosives are stored or produced
*Driving, riding, repairing or working from a forklift, bobcat, backhoe, hoist, cherry picker, etc.
What can they do? Everything else with a dose of youth and energy! Your Company Can Tap Into: new ideas and perspectives, eagerness to learn, enthusiasm and energy, ease with technology, creativity, adaptation, open mindedness, the ability to learn quickly, and to inspire existing workforce.
Employers Provide Mentors:
*Provide training for supervisors and youth
*Observe and supervise youth
*Invite youth to ask questions
*Stress the importance of safety to frontline supervisors
*Provide proper equipment and clothing
Return on Investment: There is the potential for a big payoff for both the company and the student.
Resources:
Federal Department of Labor: www.dol.gov/whd
Georgia Department of Labor: www.dol.ga.gov
Occupational Safety & Health Administration: www.osha.gov/youngworkers
National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/youth/default.html
Georgia Department of Education: https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and[1]Assessment/CTAE/Documents/2018-WBL-Manual-Combined-files.pdf
If an employee under 18 suffers a work-related injury reportable to OSHA, expect an OSHA inspection within five (5) working days. More stringent rules apply to 14 & 15 year-olds. This is an overview for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel for legal advice and questions.