Safe Jobs for Youth Month

As the summer job season approaches, many young people are entering the workforce for the very first time. There’s a good chance no one has ever told them about their rights on the job, or how to stay safe at work.  

Every 6 minutes, somewhere in the U.S. a teenager is injured seriously enough on the job to go to a hospital emergency room. 30-50 teens die from their injuries each year. These injuries and deaths can be prevented if we:

  • Know the laws
  • Make sure teens are doing appropriate work
  • Make sure teen workers are trained and supervised
  • Help teens learn to ask for help when they need it.

About Safe Jobs for Youth Month

May is Safe Jobs for Youth Month! An annual public awareness campaign that highlights the importance of preventing young workers from getting injured on the job.

The objective is to protect young workers from injury by raising community awareness about child labor law protections and workplace health and safety issues. There are many ways that young workers and allies can celebrate Safe Jobs for Youth Month, including activities for you and your community, as well as contests to raise awareness. Check out the 2019 Safe Jobs for Youth Month Resolution that was passed by the California State Assembly.

Check out this year’s Safe Jobs for Youth Month Activities & Resources:

  • Free Download! Resource Kit: This year’s kit focuses on two themes: the repealing of child labor laws at the federal and state level and recent investigations into illegal child labor practices among youth who have immigrated to the United States
  • Free Download! Teen Poster: A colorful poster about young worker health and safety created by a California teen. Printed posters may be ordered from: UC Berkeley-LOHP .

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Young Worker Bill of Rights

California’s young workers deserve respect, fair treatment, safe workplaces—and knowledge about their own rights, responsibilities, and protections. Support the Young Worker Bill of Rights.

  1. I have a right to a safe and healthy workplace, including training from my employer about anything that could hurt me on the job. Could I get hurt?
  2. If I am under 18, I am protected from doing many dangerous types of work, and from working too late, too early, or too long. Am I a Working Teen? 
  3. I have a right to be paid the minimum wage. As of January 2, 2023 that’s $15.50 per hour in California for employers with 26 employees or more. Frequently asked questions about Minimum Wage
  4. I have a right to an unpaid meal break of at least 30 minutes if I am scheduled for at least a 5 hour shift and to a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours of work. Learn more about meal and rest breaks
  5. I have a right to be treated with fairness and respect regardless of my race, color, gender, nationality, and religion. Read: What is employment discrimination?

Where Can I Get More Information?

Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP)

lohp@berkeley.edu