Reprinted from the April 1, 2007 issue of MANAGER’S LEGAL BULLETIN, a widely read employment law newsletter that communicates legal guidelines to managers through real-life dialogue and concrete examples. Click here to view a sample issue, get more information or sign up for a risk-free subscription.

Protecting Teenage Workers

Before teenagers even start their summer jobs, employers should heighten their awareness of workplace issues affecting young workers, many of whom are entering the workforce for the first time. To that end, both the EEOC and OSHA provide tips to employers for protecting the rights of minors.

EEOC SAYS…

The EEOC offers employers the following tips to promote voluntary compliance and prevent harassment and discrimination cases involving young workers.

• Encourage open, positive, and respectful interactions with young workers.

• Remember that awareness, through early education and communication, is the key to prevention.

• Identify appropriate staff members that young workers can contact with complaints.

• Encourage young workers to come forward with concerns, and protect them from retaliation.

• Post company policies on discrimination and complaint processing in visible locations, such as near the time clock or in a break area, or include the information with teens’ first paycheck.

• Clearly communicate, update, and reinforce discrimination policies and procedures in a language and manner young workers can understand.

• Provide early training to employees, especially front-line supervisors.

• Consider hosting an information seminar for the parents or guardians of teens working for your organization.

Case in point: Failing to act on young female workers’ complaints of egregious sexual harassment recently cost one company $585,000, including $260,000 in punitive damages.

EEOC: “The jury’s award sends a strong message to employers that they must maintain work environments free of sexual harassment and be vigilant in protecting teen employees — one of the most vulnerable segments of the labor force.”

OSHA SAYS…

OSHA makes these recommendations for providing a safe and healthful work environment.

• Review the worksite to identify and eliminate hazards and ensure jobs are as safe as possible. A simple workplace or work process redesign may be necessary.

• Provide training to ensure that teens recognize hazards and are competent in safe work practices. Training should include how to prepare for fires, accidents, violent situations, and what to do if they get injured. Teens need to know that if they get injured, they have the right to file a claim to cover their medical benefits and some of their lost work time.

• Ensure that supervisors of teens can recognize hazards and are competent in safe work practices. Front-line supervisors have the greatest opportunity to influence teens and their work habits.

• Monitor teens to verify that they continue to recognize hazards and use safe work practices.

• Implement a mentoring or buddy system for new youth workers. Have either an adult or experienced teen be a buddy to answer questions to help the inexperienced worker learn the ropes.

• Encourage teens to ask questions about tasks or procedures that are unclear or not understood.

• Remember that teens are not just “little adults.” Thus, you should be mindful of the unique aspects of communicating with teens.

• Ensure that equipment operated by teens is both legal and safe for them to use. Use stickers to label equipment that young workers are not allowed to operate.

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