#MySafeSummerJob: Social media campaign aimed at young workers

Washington — A newly launched campaign is intended to raise young workers’ awareness of on-the-job safety.

OSHA, NIOSH and a number of safety organizations – including the National Safety Council – have partnered on the #MySafeSummerJob campaign, which began April 15. The campaign highlights a different safety message each week, starting with You Have Rights! (April 15-19) and followed by:

• Every Job Has Hazards! (April 22-26)
• Speak Up! (April 29-May 3)
• Injuries Are Preventable! (May 6-10)
• Safety Takes Teamwork – You Can Get Help! (May 13-17)

NIOSH data shows that one teen worker is injured every nine minutes in the United States. Further, in 2014, the rate of nonfatal work-related injuries resulting in emergency room visits for workers ages 15 to 19 was 2.18 times higher than for workers 25 and older.

Retail as well as leisure and hospitality are the most popular summer jobs for teens, and both industries have unique hazards, NIOSH states.

“Understanding the basics about workplace safety and health and how to speak up when something seems dangerous are foundational life skills and fundamental for career readiness,” an April 15 press release from Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association states. “As young people enter the workplace, we must do all we can to prepare them to succeed.”

The MySafeSummerJob website includes links to resources, videos, apps and games. Workers are encouraged to share messages or images in response to questions using the hashtag #MySafeSummerJob on Twitter @OSHA_DOL and on Facebook @departmentoflabor.