The US Department of Labor has prepared this list of responsibilities for teens in the workplace. They are intended to help keep you safe and healthy while working.
- Follow your employer's safety and health rules and wear or use all required gear and equipment.
- Follow safe work practices for your job, as directed by your employer and/or supervisor. Working safely may slow you down, but ignoring safe work procedures is a fast track to injury. There are hazards in every workplace, and recognizing and dealing with them correctly may save your life or prevent serious injury.
- Ask questions! Ask for workplace training if it is not offered. Ask how to deal with irate customers or how to perform a new task or use a new machine. Don't worry about looking ignorant. Asking questions will help you stay safe.
- Tell your supervisor, boss, parent, or other adult if you feel threatened or endangered at work. If your employer does not address your concerns, report hazardous conditions to OSHA or your state labor offices.
- Be aware of your environment at all times. Be careful. It's easy to get careless after your tasks have become predictable and routine. But remember, you're not indestructible.
- Be involved in establishing or improving your worksite safety and health program.
- Trust your instincts. If someone asks you to do something that feels unsafe or makes you uncomfortable, check with your supervisor or safety officer before doing the task. Keeping yourself safe is your first responsibility.
- Stay sober. In order to work, you must remain drug free. Workers using alcohol or other drugs are more likely to get hurt or hurt others. If you suspect someone at your work is using, tell your supervisor. Check out freevibe.com for more information and to connect with other teens on this topic.
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