A wave of new, young workers are beginning to enter the workforce to replace the outgoing baby boomers, and they face a unique set of risk factors. This web page is meant to provide access to web resources for young workers as well as provide relevent statistical information and an opportunity to have their health and safety questions answered by E&USA subject matter experts.

Risk Factors for work injury among youth
The Institute for Work & Health conducted a review of research studies in 2006 that looked at the risk factors associated with young worker injuries. This review gathered published research evidence on both the risk and protective factors for work injuries among youth to answer the question: “What individual, job and workplace factors are associated with work injuries and illness among young people 12 to 24 years of age?”

The results indicate there is sufficient evidence that workplace hazards and perceived work overload increased the risk of injury to young workers NOT the attributes of the young workers themselves (gender, age, personality, etc.). It follows that, in order to reduce the risk among young workers, employers must:

Identify and either reduce or eliminate unsafe work conditions
Accept that young workers’ perception of work overload is a valid risk factor