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Employing Summer Help?
Companies looking for summer help to fill in while full-time staff take vacations or due to seasonal work demands; often look to hiring summer student workers. While this may seem like an economical choice, it is important to understand that minors between the ages of 15 and 17 employed in the construction industries have a seven times greater chance of being fatally injured than their peers working in other industries, according to the Department of Labor (DOL).
If looking to employ a minor you will first need to become familiar with regulations in order to stay compliant with the federal law. Some states may have stricter laws than others, so it’s best to consult your local jurisdiction before beginning the employment process.
Here's a link to New Hampshire's Labor Law.
Four hazards all new and inexperienced workers should be aware of in the industry before starting a construction job regardless of their age are.
- Machines and tools – moving machines and powered tools have the potential to cause severe injuries. Teens under the age of 18 should not be using any powered tool or equipment, but it is important that they understand the potential dangers when working around them.
- Confined spaces – many times workers need to be in cramped spaces with limited access; suffocation is a main concern in performing these tasks.
- Electrocution – working around overhead power lines, i.e., a painter moving aluminum ladders and coming in contact with overhead lines.
- Falls – which is one of the most common causes of death for construction workers. Fall protection is vital when working at heights above six feet.
The following are some suggestions that can be implemented in an effort to create a safer environment for all new workers.
- If the new employee is a youth, be sure to inform the supervisor of the youth status in relationship to the DOL rules.
- Formalize your orientation process and include safety expectations. New employees should sign- off that they read the safety policy, understand their expectations and know the hazards. A review with all new employees should be done within a 30 day period to validate their retention of those safety policies.
- Color-code equipment and apparel. Color coded vests and hard hats can be used to alert the team to the fact that there is a teen employee on-site. Encourage seasoned employees to work closely -with them to ensure safe practices. Equipment can also be color-coded also so that teens know which ones they can and cannot use.
- Encourage all seasoned employees to have open communication with new or “seasonal” employees.
Here’s to healthy, safe summer jobs!
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