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Next, perform a hazard assessment of the jobs teen workers will likely be asked to perform. Make sure they will not encounter any unsafe situations or environments.

Once hired, make sure teen workers understand their responsibilities and limitations. Provide training on each task, then check to ensure they understand the procedures they should follow. Emphasize that they should only perform tasks for which they have been trained. If needed, supply appropriate and properly sized personal protective equipment, along with training on its use.

Finally, as with all workers, instill in teen employees the importance of adhering to safe work practices at all times, and make sure they understand the repercussions of failing to do so. Instruct them to ask questions whenever a task is unclear; this will help to minimize mistakes and potential safety risks.

For more information on how to keep teen workers safe this summer, visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html, or www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/youth/.