Every year about 70 teens die from work injuries in the United States. (NIOSH)

• In 2015, 403 workers less than 24 years of age died from work-related injuries, including 24 deaths of youth less than 18 years of age. (NIOSH)

• The injury rate for young workers under age 25 is approximately two times higher than for workers 25 years and older, based on emergency room data.

While employers are responsible for providing workers with a safe and healthy workplace, young workers should have a few basic skills to help protect themselves. The training linked to the Resources section of this page will help young workers learn more about these skills. Young workers should be able to do these 8 things:

1. Recognize that although work is valuable, any worker can be injured, become sick, or even be killed on the job. Understand how workplace injuries can affect your life and your family.

2. Recognize that most work-related injuries and illnesses are predictable and can be prevented.

3. Identify hazards at work, evaluate the risks, and predict how workers can become hurt or sick.

4. Recognize how to prevent injury and illness. Describe the best ways to handle hazards on the job and apply these to problems at your workplace.

5. Spot emergencies at work and know the best ways to handle them.

6. Recognize employer and worker rights and responsibilities that play a role in safe and healthy work.

7. Find resources that help keep workers safe and healthy on the job.

8. Show how workers can communicate with others—including people in charge—to ask questions or report problems or concerns when they feel unsafe or threatened.

Tell your supervisor immediately, if you're under 18 years old tell your parents or guardian's. 

Get medical treatment if you need it

Get a claim form, which your employer has. Fill out and return to your employer. This helps unsure that your receive workers compensation benefits.