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Nadine Wimmer ReportingThis summer many teens will venture into the world of work, but too many will get injuries along with their paychecks. A new report by the National Consumers League lists the five most dangerous jobs for teens. Here are the jobs and some things parents can keep in mind to help your teens Stay Safe.
Jon, Jed and Jacob are three of the eight Barker boys who work all summer on the family dairy farm. Hauling hay and tending cows is not only hard work, it's the most dangerous job for teens. The risk of a fatal injury for young workers is four times the risk of other jobs.
Jon Barker, 19-Years Old: “It’s only a matter of time until you have an accident.”
After agriculture, the most dangerous jobs for your teens are construction, landscaping, driving forklifts, tractors, or ATVs, and traveling door-to door to sell candy or magazine subscriptions.
Back on the farm, The Barkers know tractors and heavy machinery by far pose the highest risk.
Lyman Barker, Barker Dairy: “Well, with working with machinery, they could get run over, get their hands caught in moving parts, their clothing.”
The whole family took a safety course, and so far have avoided serious problems.
These landscapers, too, work with heavy machinery and have seen plenty of close calls. They say simple carelessness is the biggest threat. They try to establish routines for things like shutting down mowers and engaging the locks.
Scott Elder, Landscaper: “The mowers, they’re big, stronger than I am, and if you don’t have them in control, they can run you over.”
Utah is one of the fastest growing food service markets in the country and teens make up a solid base. The leading injury is falls. The Utah Restaurant Association works with businesses to help ensure teens aren't exposed to risky situations.
Melva Sine, Utah Restaurant Assoc: “Usually we utilize them in positions where there’s not a lot of vulnerability.”
