When I was in high school, my first job was working at the local movie theater.
It was an awesome job. I could take my friends and family to the movies for free, and on top of that, I got a half-off discount on popcorn, meaning that I didn’t have to pay $10 for a tiny bag of popcorn.
Now that I am older and in a new position, I never realized how important it was for me to stay safe while on the job, the main reason being is for the movie theater to protect themselves from liability.
For example, if someone gets injured by slipping on a hazardous floor or burning themselves on the popcorn machine, that could open the theater up to a massive lawsuit. In addition, if your teenage son or daughter gets injured while on the job, you have exorbitant amounts of bills to pay, such as medical and hospital bills.
Due to these factors, your teen should take multiple steps to stay safe at work, which can be done when your teen knows their rights, has proper training, prioritizes their mental health, and reports their concerns to management.
Make Sure They Know Their Rights
In every state, there are specific labor laws that apply to teens or minors who work that are under the age of 18. For example, in California, all minors need to have a valid work permit, which is usually authorized and signed by the school the teen goes to.
In addition, California has strict laws when it comes to taking lunch breaks. It is required by law for every teen to take a lunch break after working for exactly five hours.
What this law means is that every teen has to take a minimum of a 30 minute lunch break before they reach five hours into their shift. So if a teen does not take a break, the employer could face serious fines and penalties from the government, depending on the state.
If your teen notices that they are being forced to work throughout lunch with no break, they need to inform management to ensure that no rule is going unfollowed.
Ensure Proper Safety and Workplace Training
When your teen starts their first job, they need to have proper workplace training.
What this means is that they need to be educated on what to do if an emergency happens. For example, if they may notice someone who slips on a broken tile or if something catches on fire, they need to know what to do.
It is also crucial for teens to seek clarification if they are unsure about what to do. So if they are unsure, your teen always should ask the appropriate manager or supervisor.
In addition, teens also need to be made aware of common workplace hazards.
Especially working in an industry such as fast food or retail, it is so easy for your teen to neglect identifying these hazards. Some of the most prevalent hazards include slippery floors, working with hazardous materials, and working with dangerous equipment.
When you see these hazards, it is now more important than ever to be knowledgeable and equipped to deal with these problems. By having proper education and training, you can be more prepared than ever to deal with these issues.
Report Any Concerns To Management
If you see something, say something.
That philosophy could never have been more true, even in today’s world. If you notice anything that seems suspicious, such as dangerous conditions, discrimination, or prejudice, you need to report that to HR immediately.
If you find that your concerns are not being heard and nothing is being resolved, it might be best to enlist the help of a Philadelphia work injury attorney. A lawyer can help you protect your rights, fight against large corporations, and ensure that you can get the maximum compensation that you deserve.
Stay Safe At Work Today
As life goes on, it is now more important than ever for your teen to stay safe when at work, or when performing the duties of their first job.
Just as I was in high school at my movie theater, your teen needs to be informed regarding their rights, ensuring safe working conditions, and reporting any of their concerns to their management and the right people.
If your teen takes the necessary steps to be safe, they can protect themselves and have a great time at their job.