| Spring 2009
Texas Mutual presidentRussell R. Oliver
President's Message
Hiring Teens This Summer?
Today’s sagging economy is forcing employers to make tough choices. Will that office printer last another year? Do we really need a new delivery truck? And what about employee bonuses?
Workplace safety has historically been among the first budget casualties during difficult times. Many employers look to save money by eliminating safety training, using equipment that needs to be repaired or replaced, or hiring less-experienced workers.
If you recently slashed resources from your safety program, I encourage you to reconsider, especially if you plan to hire teen workers this summer.
Teenagers can make valuable additions to your workforce. They are often ambitious and eager to make a good impression. Ironically, those same qualities increase their risk of getting hurt.
Because they want to please their employer, teens may take on tasks they are not comfortable with. Many will avoid asking questions about safety procedures for fear of looking ignorant.
In 2006, 30 people under 18 years old died from work-related injuries across the country. An estimated 52,600 were treated in hospital emergency departments. Don’t let your teen workers become a statistic.
Show them how to do each task safely. Refresh the training regularly, and assign experienced workers to mentor teens. Teach them that safety, quality and production are equally important. Make sure teens feel comfortable reporting unsafe conditions and admitting that they do not understand safety procedures.
Focusing on teen safety isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the law. State and
federal laws govern how many hours children can work and what type of jobs
they can hold. For more information about your legal obligations, visit
www.
texasworkforce.org/ui/lablaw/cllsum.html.
Texas Mutual is committed to helping you keep teen workers safe. I encourage you to visit the Safety & return-to-work section for more information about teen worker safety. If you need more information, call us at (800) 859-5995 and ask for a Texas Mutual safety professional. Together, we can make your teens’ summer work experience positive for them and you.
Russell R. Oliver
President
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