Parents

• Realize that young workers and all workers are entitled to a safe and healthful workplace free of hazards that can harm them. Employers are responsible for providing a workplace free of recognized hazards. Do not assume that your childr is aware of their rights or that employers are aware of child labor laws for young workers. See Workers Rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
  
  
• Know the Federal and State child labor laws for the area in which you live, so you can recognize if employers are following the law. Federal law limits the number of hours for young workers in non-agricultural and agricultural jobs. There are also jobs and work-related activities that the federal government prohibits for non-agricultural workers under 18 years of age. [See the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for additional restrictions.]
  
  
• Take an active role in the employment decisions of your children. Know where your young worker is working and what they are doing. Frequently ask them what they did at work and discuss any problems or concerns.
  
  
• Discuss with your young worker the types of work they are involved with and the training and supervision provided by the employer.
  
  
• Watch for signs that the job is taking too much of a physical or mental toll on your young worker. How is your child's performance at school? If there is loss of interest in or energy for school, the job may be too demanding. Other signs of concern could include increased stress levels, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.
  
  
• Support your young worker young worker reporting hazards to managers or if necessary, to OSHA or your state department of labor, when a work environment seems unsafe.
  

Sometimes on-the-job injuries and deaths do occur. Refer to the hazards section to note which hazards to watch out for!