What are the Dangers to Young Summer Workers

Getting a summer job can be a rite of passage for many teenagers and young adults, but the workplace can be dangerous for workers who are inexperienced or too timid to bring up safety concerns. Nevertheless, young workers have the same rights as other employees. If they are injured on the job, they may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries. The legal team at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. explains the risks that teens and young adults face as summer workers in New York City. If you’re injured on the job, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.

New York State Restrictions on Minor Workers

New York State law restricts how many hours and days a person under 18 can work and the type of work they can perform. For example, with few exceptions, they cannot work in construction, manufacturing, or logging. When school is out for summer, minors between 16 and 17 can work up to 48 hours per week. Minors under 16 years of age can work up to 40 hours per week.

Risks to Young Workers During the Summer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in a recent year, the rate of work-related injuries among workers aged 15-19 was more than twice the rate among workers 25 and older. Some of the risks young workers may face at a summer job include:

• Doing work without proper training
• Working long hours without supervision
• Being discouraged from reporting safety concerns
• Using dangerous equipment
• Working while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Types of Summer Work Injuries

Many summer jobs are physically taxing, leaving young employees more susceptible to injuries, such as:

• Slip-and-fall injuries, especially from a slip and fall at a pool
• Injuries from lifting or carrying heavy objects
• Burns from coming into contact with hot ovens or other equipment
• Overexertion injuries
• Repetitive motion injuries

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Slip-and-Fall Accident

Many teenagers and young adults work at swimming pools or similar facilities during the summer, increasing their chances of being involved in a slip-and-fall accident or experiencing another public pool injury. Here is what you need to do if you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident at your summer job:

• Report the accident to your manager in writing as soon as possible
• Take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries
• Look for any eyewitnesses that may have seen what happened
• Seek medical treatment right away to record your injuries
• Request to see security camera footage
• Hold on to all your medical records and receipts related to your injury
• Do not give any statements to insurers
• Talk to an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer

How NYC Fall Attorney David Resnick Can Help

If you or your child has been injured at a summer job, the personal injury attorneys with David Resnick & Associates, P.C. can investigate the accident to determine who is responsible for your injuries and hold them accountable. Founding attorney David Resnick handles all client inquiries directly to ensure they receive the personalized care and attention they deserve. Let us take care of the legal work so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact David Resnick & Associates, P.C. today for a free initial consultation.

Author: David Resnick

Founder of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a New York personal injury law firm in charge of providing exceptional and personal service to each of our clients in various areas including car accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, construction accidents, and premises liability. David Resnick founded the firm in 1998 after working in large law firms where he saw a need for greater client communication and more personal care.