OSHA is using – what else? – social media to reach young people who may soon be working in summer jobs. The goal: to give them tips in staying safe in the workplace. Because teens with little or no experience may not always recognize the hazards in their workplaces, they are especially vulnerable to occupational injuries and fatalities.

OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division will run a social media campaign through May 17 (with the hashtag #MySafeSummerJob) to educate young workers how to protect themselves on the job.

The “Young Workers” web page on the OSHA website has colorful graphics and easy-to-understand information on:

Workers rights, which include the right to:

  • Work in a safe place.
  • Receive safety and health training in a language that you understand.
  • Ask questions if they don't understand instructions or if something seems unsafe.
  • Use and be trained on required safety gear, such as hard hats, goggles and ear plugs.
  • Not be retaliated or discriminated against
  • File a confidential complaint with OSHA if there is a serious hazard or an employer is not following OSHA standards.

The web page has resources available for young workers, employers and parents and educators.

There are also real life stories of injuries – and worse – that will dramatize the potential consequences of unsafe work situations:

Visit the OSHA website for more information.