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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1 , 2007
“Safe Jobs for Youth” Campaign Kickoff Announced
Jefferson City, MO - With the arrival of summer and thousands of youth preparing to take summer jobs and enter the workforce, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations today announced the start of its "Safe Jobs for Youth" awareness campaign. The campaign is designed to focus on preventing youth injuries in the workplace. To help celebrate this initiative, Governor Matt Blunt proclaimed May as "Safe Jobs for Youth Month.”
“Thousands of teens in Missouri work in part-time or summer jobs. While these early work experiences provide great opportunities to learn important job skills, it’s imperative that our young people work in environments that protect them from excessive, inappropriate or hazardous labor,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “Missouri’s child labor law helps protect our young people by helping to ensure they have the necessary time to pursue their education and be employed in a safe workplace.”
Inexperience in the workplace leads to safety concerns. Unfortunately, some young people are injured on the job. In 2006, over 1,400 of Missouri’s youth under 18 suffered injuries severe enough to file injury reports. The Department’s Division of Labor Standards, the agency charged with carrying out Missouri’s child labor law, works closely with parents, school officials, young people, employers and state agencies to promote safe working environments for Missouri’s youth.
The industries most youth find employment in are fast food, grocery stores and general retail. During the school year, work certificates are required and are issued by the local superintendent’s office. The Division issues work permits for the entertainment industry.
Missouri’s child labor law restricts the age, number of hours and occupations youth can work. Prohibited occupations generally involve dangerous equipment (cookers, slicers), dangerous materials (such as toxic chemicals) and dangerous duties (driving, roofing).
The Division of Labor Standards offers employers several resources to assist their efforts in keeping their working youth safe. The On-Site Consultation program is a free, confidential program for employers to help them maintain hazard-free workplaces. In addition, staff is available to conduct training, offer presentations, attend conferences and answer general requests for assistance.
In helping parents, educators, employers and others protect Missouri's teens, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations is releasing a Top 10 safety list for kids at work.
- Know your work place rights and responsibilities.
- Ask for proper training for your job, especially for emergencies.
- Insist on proper supervision when performing your job.
- Never cross state lines or travel further than 30 miles.
- Resist temptation to do a task unless you feel comfortable and confident.
- Know the prohibited occupations to increase your safety.
- Know the work hour limitations/restrictions for your age.
- Be sure you have the appropriate documentation (work certificate or permit).
- Make sure you know whom to call if there is a problem at work.
- Be sure that your parents know where you work and what you do.
For more information regarding youth workplace safety, please visit www.teensworksafe.com or call (573) 751-3403.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)