Washington L&I Shares Tips to Help Protect Teen and Young Workers on the Job
The agency says limited experience, too little safety training or supervision and reluctance to speak up may explain why young workers are injured more often.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Nov 09, 2026
Teen and young workers should be trained on job hazards, how to operate equipment safely and required safety gear, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) said in a bulletin sent Nov. 5.
Giving clear directions is another tip. The agency also advised that young workers be encouraged to ask questions or raise concerns when something seems unsafe. To build trust, it suggested hearing young workers out and treating their concerns about safety as serious.
L&I's bulletin also lists possible reasons young workers face higher odds of injury. Without enough experience, they may not spot hazards at work or know how to avoid them. Supervision or safety training may also fall short. Asking questions or voicing worries about unsafe conditions may not come easily to them, either.
Young workers, parents, supervisors and employers can find job safety information on L&I's Teen and Young Worker Safety & Health webpage. Work restrictions that apply to young workers are covered on the agency's Youth Employment webpage. A free consultation to improve workplace safety is also available from L&I on request.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.