While you may think teens are less susceptible to injuries because of their age and overall health, the research says otherwise. According to an article published in the American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Professional Safety journal, teen workers are injured at a rate of at least two times higher than adult workers in the same job.
Also, about 70,000 young workers end up in emergency rooms due to workplace injuries. Most common are acute injuries to their hands, fingers, skull, ankles, and feet.
Many things can contribute to the increased susceptibility of teens to work-related injuries. Let’s talk about a few most common reasons why teens are more likely to get injured at work than adults and where you can go in Grand Junction, CO, for effective treatment.
#1 They Are Inexperienced
It’s no denying that having no experience in the same occupational task plays a significant role in teen workplace injuries. Teens often lack experience because they switch jobs more frequently than adults, making them do the job where they are likely to perform an unfamiliar task. Also, they fail to use dangerous equipment safely since they receive cursory or no training.
Additionally, because they lack experience in supervisory positions, they tend to get more physically demanding jobs, such as grunt work, which is often too much to handle for a developing musculoskeletal system.
#2 They are Vulnerable
Teens are more vulnerable because they believe their employers wouldn’t ask them to do dangerous tasks. Also, they don’t ask questions about their safety, thinking that this will make them appear incompetent and put them at risk of being fired. Some employers take advantage of this vulnerability of teens and do not provide them with proper training, as well as ask them to do the task with an inherent danger that older workers don’t want to do.
Furthermore, to “fit in” and earn well, teens tend to ignore dangers and push themselves beyond their physical ability.
#3 They Don’t Know Their Working Rights
The biggest of all, teens don’t know their working rights. They are not aware that they have the right to:
- Work in the safe place
- Receive safety and health training
- Ask questions from their employer about something that seems unsafe
- Exercise workplace safety without discrimination or retaliation
- File a worker’s compensation
Teens Workers’ Compensation in Grand Junction, CO
At WorkPartners Occupational Health, we are specialized in worker’s compensation. Our team of experts focuses on balancing the best care for the injured employee, the company’s needs, and the insurance carrier’s requirements. We offer comprehensive and individualized care and efficient assistance with the claim process.
To learn more about the worker’s compensation services we offer or to set up a consultation, call us today at (970) 241-5585 or use our convenient appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
