DOL Launches 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao kicked off OSHA's national 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign on NBC's TODAY show yesterday, marking the fourth year of the initiative. Also as part of the launch at Rockefeller Plaza in New York, OSHA representatives and teens from SkillsUSA demonstrated safe work practices for some of the most common tasks that teens are likely to encounter in summer jobs.
OSHA will host and participate in local events and activities around the country to help keep teenagers safe and healthy on the job, Chao said. Activities include career fairs, youth programs, expos, career days and training seminars. OSHA and its regional partners are striving to reduce work-related injuries among teens by teaching them on-the-job safety and integration of principles into their work tasks from this early age, the secretary added.
Through working with many strong national and regional Alliance Program participants and other cooperative programs, OSHA plans to reach more than three million teens. SkillsUSA, is one such national Alliance Program participant, formed as a nonprofit organization serving teachers and high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.
The 2008 Teen Summer Job Safety Campaign is part of OSHA's Young Worker Initiative, which provides information and resources to teenagers, parents, educators, and employers to ensure safe and rewarding work experiences for these summer employees. More information about workplace safety for teens is available at www.osha.gov/teens.