YOUTH ON THE JOB #1

YOUR RIGHTS

DO YOU KNOW THE LAWS THAT PROTECT YOU ON THE JOB?

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO: • GET PAID: You have a right to a fair and full day’s pay for a full day’s work. The minimum age in New York State (the lowest you can be paid) is $7.25 per hour. • OVERTIME PAY: You have the right to be paid for time and ½ your regular pay for every hour you work over 40 hours in one week. • BE SAFE: You have the right to a safe workplace and to file a complaint if your job is unsafe. • FREEDOM FROM HARASSMENT and DISCRIMINATION: You have the right to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin or disability. You have the right to work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. • ORGANIZE: You have the right to get together with your coworkers to improve working conditions and to organize a union.

WORK CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH Grim Report on Child Labor: OVER 200,000 YOUNG WORKERS HURT ON THE JOB THIS YEAR

When was this headline written? 1800? 1900? NO. This was the title of a report on child labor violations in the US in 2000. DID YOU KNOW? Young people who work get cuts, bruises,

broken bones, burns, aching backs and wrists and worse. • 200,000 young workers are injured annually on the job, • 70,000 end up in the hospital with serious injuries, and • one teen worker dies every 5 days JOBS YOU CAN NOT DO IF YOU ARE UNDER 18:

• You can not DRIVE A FOUR WHEEL VEHICLE – car, van, SUV (or an eighteen wheeler) • You can not SLICE MEAT OR BREAD (with a machine) • You can not use POWER TOOLS • You can not work on a ROOF • You can not do DEMOLITION WORK • You can not MINE COAL • You can not work with NUCLEAR MATERIALS • You can not MAKE BOMBS • You can not STORE EXPLOSIVES • You can not manufacture BRICK or TILE

HOURS YOU CAN WORK IF YOU ARE 14 or 15 and SCHOOL IS IN SESSION:

• You can NOT work the hours you’re supposed to be in school (DUH!) • You can NOT work more than 3 hours on any school day, or more than 8 hours on a Saturday or a non-school day • You can NOT work more than 18 hours a week • You can NOT work at night (between 7pm and 7am) BUT, DURING SCHOOL BREAK or THE SUMMER: • You CAN work up to 8 hours a day • You CAN work up to 40 hours a week • You CAN work until 9pm (late June through Labor Day) IF YOU ARE 16-17 and SCHOOL IS IN SESSION:

• You can NOT work more than 4 hours on any day before a school day (Monday-Thursday) • You can NOT work more than 8 hours on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday • You can NOT work more than 28 hours a week • You can NOT work past 10pm BUT, DURING SCHOOL BREAK or THE SUMMER: • You CAN work up to 8 hours a day • You CAN work up to 40 hours a week • You CAN work until 12 midnight (late June through Labor Day)

SCHOOL IS COOL Even though working may give you cash, there are benefits to staying in school: • Higher paying jobs require education • Jobs that require a college degree are growing faster than other jobs • College grads earn 70% more than high school grads

And, if you go to Florida, you can’t WRESTLE AN ALLIGATOR if you are under 16. CONTACT: For information on NY State laws concerning employment of minors contact: New York State Division of Labor Standards 212-352-6700 www.labor.state.ny.us

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PROTECTION FOR YOUNG WORKERS WHAT IS OSHA?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the federal government agency that develops and enforces job safety laws. Filing an OSHA complaint is complicated and should only be done when you and your co-workers believe that an OSHA inspection will be effective in eliminating the hazard. Complaints may be made anonymously upon your request. Please call NYCOSH for advice before you contact OSHA. CONTACT: To file an OSHA complaint, call 1-800-321-OSHA. www.osha.gov

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO GET TOGETHER WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS!

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a law that protects you from being fired for organizing with your co-workers. The law specifically protects “concerted activity,” meaning that you must join with other workers to make change. In other words, try never to go it alone! You can get together with your co-workers to: • Protest unsafe working conditions • Ask for a raise or refuse overtime hours • Join a union CONTACT: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is the agency that protects workers who are fired illegally for organizing activity. Call 212-264-0300. www.nlrb.gov

HERE ARE YOUR RIGHTS UNDER OSHA:

HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW. Employers must provide information about chemicals you work with, and at certain workplaces, they must provide the log of injuries and illness for your workplace. You and your co-workers or union can also ask for a copy of your employer’s chemical safety plan. • YOU

• YOU SHOULD BE TRAINED TO WORK SAFELY. The law says that you must be trained to work safely and properly when you perform certain types of work. If you work with chemicals, machines, or in health care settings, where you may be exposed to dangerous substances or equipment, you must receive health and safety training. • YOU CAN REFUSE WORK THAT IS UNSAFE – UNDER VERY LIMITED CONDITIONS. The law says that if you’re asked to do work that is really dangerous (it MUST be life threatening), you have a right to SAY NO. However, you should talk to your employer about this and must offer to do other work in that workplace to maintain your rights. • YOU SHOULD NOT GET FIRED. The law says you should not get fired for demanding training, refusing unsafe work (see above) and reporting hazards, but you will need to be well organized to take your issues to your employer in order to make your workplace safe, and protect your job at the same time. (See #3 Stand Up for Your Rights)

TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST COMPANY TRAGEDY On Saturday, March 25, 1911, just before quitting time, fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in downtown New York City. The company had locked the doors to keep workers – mostly young immigrant girls and women – from leaving early. The workers were trapped. A total of 146 people died – some leapt to their death from the 9th floor window, rather than be burned alive. This terrible tragedy became a rallying point for the public and labor unions to pressure the government to create laws to protect workers – such as the workers’ compensation system and OSHA (which wasn’t made a law until 1970!).

CAN YOU SUE YOUR BOSS IF YOU GET HURT ON THE JOB? No, but you are covered by Workers Compensation, something all employers must carry to cover the costs of employees’ injuries on the job. Benefits include: cash to cover lost time, medical care, medicine, etc. You have two years from when you were injured to file a claim, BUT YOU MUST REPORT YOUR INJURY TO YOUR EMPLOYER WITHIN 30 DAYS of when it happened. CONTACT: Workers Compensation Board, 800-877-1373 www.wcb.state.ny.us

GETTING HELP!! CALL NYCOSH. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a worker-friendly organization that will provide advice to you about where to go for help. NYCOSH is a non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists – all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful workplace.

CONTACT: NYCOSH 212-227-6440 www.nycosh.org 1/11

This publication was created using funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor.

YOUTH ON THE JOB #2 HAZARDS AT WORK So Many of Us Work . . . Every year, more than 4 million young people under 18 will work. For most, work will be a good learning experience. However, some may be injured, and some will even die on the job.

Did you know? • One young worker DIES every five days from workrelated injuries; • 200,000 young people suffer work-related injuries each year; • Young workers have an injury rate rate is higher than adults; • Eight of ten teens injured in New York State work in service jobs.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Know Your Rights Learn about federal and state laws that limit hours and types of jobs young people can do and that require companies to control hazards and provide training.

Speak UP If you know what safety and health hazards you are working with, such as hot grease, slippery floors and heavy lifting, you can speak up about them to help prevent injuries.

Get Together Join forces with coworkers to get your problems addressed.

Wear Protective Equipment Your employer is required to give you protective equipment such as gloves and goggles that you need for the job.

Ask for Training Education and training about hazards can help prevent injuries.

How Some Young Workers Were Injured at Work Three young workers were lifting packages that were very heavy and suffered back and neck injuries that require long-term physical therapy. A 17 year-old worker was killed in a trash compactor in New York City when he was illegally asked to operate it. A 16-year old line cook in a fast food restaurant was pushing a container of hot grease out of the kitchen. When he reached the door, his foot slipped, the lid fell off and hot grease spilled over much of his body. He was severely burned and spent two weeks in the hospital. His scars will never go away.

WHERE DO YOUNG PEOPLE WORK? Most young people work in the retail industry — shops, stores and restaurants and in the service industry — health care, recreation and entertainment. Studies show that over half of young worker injuries occur in retail (restaurants, grocery stores, department stores) and the rest occur in the service industry (health care, amusement/ recreation, business and social services), manufacturing and agriculture.

Why so many young retail workers are injured and killed on the job: The reason is VIOLENCE. Many young people work in retail establishments where they are often alone or handling money. They are at risk for robberies and other crimes that too often result in serious injury and death. Continued on back

DEATH AT A YOUNG AGE The following lists the TOP FIVE categories of young workers who died on the job:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Agricultural workers.................... 40% Retail workers............................... 22% Construction workers.................. 13% Services............................................... 8% Manufacturing.................................. 5%

What’s an RSI? An RSI — Repetitive Strain Injury — is an injury to your muscles, tendons or nerves caused by repeating a movement over and over again. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an example of an RSI. 1/3 of injuries that disable workers are caused by RSIs. The risk of suffering from RSIs exist on almost every single job.

Young Workers Get Injured on All Kinds of Equipment Tools, machines and equipment you use at work can cause injury. Most worker-related injuries result from:

Driving an automobile

WATCH OUT! FOOD SERVICE WORK Slips, Falls, Burns, Cuts, Bruises, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs), Stress (difficult customers or boss), Violence (robberies) OFFICE/CLERICAL WORK RSIs, Eye Strain, Neck & Back Pain, Paper Cuts (lacerations), Bad Indoor Air Quality (sick building syndrome), Stress

Using power tools

Working on meat slicers

Using box cutters

Using hot water or oil

Using a computer

Working at a cash register

HEALTH CARE WORK Infection, Heavy lifting (trays, laundry, patients) leading to back pain/injury, Allergies, Chemical Exposure, RSIs, Stress RETAIL/SALES WORK RSIs, Lifting-related injuries, Violence, Harassment, Stress CONSTRUCTION WORK Working with dangerous equipment, Falls, Exposure to chemicals and paint dust, asbestos and lead, Live electric wires, Extreme hot and cold temperatures, RSIs JANITOR/CLEAN-UP Toxic chemicals in cleaning products, blood on discarded needles, RSIs

GETTING HELP!! CALL NYCOSH. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a worker-friendly organization that will provide advice to you about where to go for help. NYCOSH is a non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists – all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful workplace.

CONTACT: NYCOSH 212-227-6440 www.nycosh.org 1/11

This publication was created using funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor.

YOUTH ON THE JOB #3 STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS It is your right to be safe. You have the RIGHT as a

worker to be safe on the job. We know the injury rate among young people is double that of adult workers. Over 200,000 are injured annually and one young worker dies every five days. Many of these injuries and deaths can be prevented, but only if you stand up for your rights!

HOW DO WE STAY SAFE ON THE JOB? Staying safe on the job is a matter of being smart and using proper protective equipment, but to be really effective you must: l Know your rights and responsibilities on the job as a worker, and specifically as a young worker lU se organizing and problem solving tools to create a safe (and fairer) workplace and to prevent injuries lR emember you are not alone – you can always do more by getting together with other workers

Why do young people get injured at work? If you are going to improve safety at work, you need to understand some of the reasons why young people get injured at work: Insufficient training — Over half of young workers receive little or no safety training. Inexperience — Because young workers are new to the workforce, they are less skilled and sometimes unable to recognize dangers at work. Young workers are also less likely to question their employers or stick up for themselves with adults.

TIPS FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Dangerous and/or inappropriate jobs — Industries that hire young people – such as retail, fast food, health care, and construction – have high risks and also, employers sometimes ask workers to do jobs that are prohibited.

So, now you know there’s a problem, have documentation and co-workers behind you – where do you go from here?

Lack of supervision — Studies show that young workers are undersupervised, which is associated with high injury rates.

1. PLAN IN ADVANCE. You know your rights and you’ve done your research – now you need a plan. Get together with your co-workers to make a plan of action. 2. KEEP RECORDS. Make sure you keep notes about what you’re planning for future reference. 3. BE STRATEGIC. Plan carefully about your approach – who, what, when and how. Will you first speak to your supervisor or write a letter? Should you get a petition going? Should you involve the community, the press, local politicians? 4. BE PREPARED FOR DIFFERENT RESPONSES FROM MANAGEMENT. Some bosses will “get it” and agree to reasonable changes – others will not. Create a Plan B in case Plan A doesn’t go as intended.

CREATING A PLAN OF ACTION 1. GET TOGETHER WITH CO-WORKERS Chances are that if you are experiencing hazards at work, then other workers are too. Find those workers and get together to create a plan of action for making work safe. If you go to the boss with others, you are more likely to be heard. If you go to the boss with a well-documented case and ideas about injury prevention, you are more likely to create a safer workplace. “I thought I was the only one, and then I talked to a girl on my shift. She also got burned on the grill. We started talking to more workers and found out that no one got training, and other people were getting hurt, too.”

5. BE CREATIVE. There are many ways to get people involved and to get what you need. Think of new ways to communicate, reach out and solve the problem. For example, you can use the internet to connect to others or to learn more about health and safety issues.

To research information on the internet, just go to any search engine and type in “health and safety”. There are hundreds of websites that contain useful information.

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HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CO-WORKERS in a safe place. Your co-workers may be more willing to talk about hazards they face on the job if you approach them outside of work. l Do Your Homework. Find out information about the health and safety issues of concern in your workplace, which you can share. Keep records of specific incidents to strengthen your case. l Don’t bully. You can be a leader, organizer and bridge builder by allowing people a choice about how to get involved. Some may just listen or read an informational flyer, while others may sign a petition or come to a meeting. Let workers choose their own form of involvement, but be sure to keep everyone informed so that they stay knowledgeable and invested in the effort. l Be an active listener. Others may come up with interesting ideas or information, but you might miss it if you’re not listening. l Meet

2. MAP YOUR WORKPLACE Complaining isn’t enough. You need to create a body of evidence that shows other workers (and the boss) that a problem exists. One way to do this is to create a hazard map of your workplace.

HAZARD MAPPING Draw a map of your workplace with your co-workers – include: desks, machines, entrances, exits, bathrooms, windows, etc. Draw a circle around any hazards that may exist – machines, chemicals, slippery floors, etc. Find the most serious hazards – discuss the hazards you found and decide which are the most serious and mark them with a different color or symbol.

3. SURVEY YOUR CO-WORKERS Create a questionnaire for co-workers asking about safety and health issues on the job. Do you feel safe? Have you or others ever been injured on the job? Did you receive training? What kinds of chemicals do you work with? You can call NYCOSH (see below) to get help on a survey.

4. GET EMPLOYER RECORDS

Under OSHA (the Occupational Safety & Health Administration) your employer may be required to keep records of injuries that happen in the workplace. Depending on where you work, you may have the right to get the following from your employer: lA 

summary of information about medical testing done by your employer l Illness and injury logs l Information about tests done in your workplace or work environment l Information about chemicals you are exposed to on the job

5. GET INFO FROM OSHA & NIOSH Depending on where you work, OSHA may have inspection data on your company. They have a website where you can find out about health and safety issues, laws and they even have a teen worker link with lots of safety and health information. Go to www. osha.gov. NIOSH (the National Institute on Safety & Health) is the part of the Centers for Disease Control and can provide you with lots of health and safety information. Go to their website: www. cdc.gov/niosh. Also, you can call NYCOSH for help and you can check the NYCOSH website at www.nycosh.org.

6. GO TO THE UNION If there is a union at your workplace, go to the union representative with any questions about doing your job safely and what kinds of equipment or training you need. WHAT IS A UNION? A union represents

employees in the workplace and at the bargaining table – where wages, benefits and working conditions are determined. However, fewer than two out of ten workers belong to unions. Where there are unions, wages and benefits are usually higher and workers have more say in the shop or office. Unions have fought for safe and healthy workplaces by promoting the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and advocating for a variety of laws and policies that protect workers.

NEED HELP! CALL NYCOSH. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a worker-friendly organization that will provide advice to you about where to go for help. NYCOSH is a non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists – all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful workplace.

CONTACT: NYCOSH 212-227-6440 www.nycosh.org 1/11

This publication was created using funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor.

YOUTH ON THE JOB #4 RSIs

Sticks & Stones Can Break Your Bones, but RSIs Can Really Hurt You

What are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)? Repetitive strain injuries, or RSIs, are workrelated injuries that result from overuse of muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. They most often affect the upper body – back, wrist, shoulder, elbow, neck and hands. Workers can also get knee injuries due to repetitive strain. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is an RSI.

According to the AFL-CIO Dept of Occupational Safety & Health, 33 out of 100 (1/3) injuries that disable workers are caused by RSIs.

How to Stop RSIs For every job there will be specific solutions, but here are some general basic tips for everyone:  sk your boss for proper workstation design, or !A

ergonomically correct equipment that helps prevent injuries

! Avoid awkward positions ! Vary your tasks ! Take frequent mini-breaks ! Slow down ! ORGANIZE (see below)

How to Organize to Prevent RSIs 1. Survey your co-workers. Survey your co-workers to

find out how many people have RSIs and how serious they are.

2. Survey your workplace. Check out what equipment

and furniture may be needed to prevent RSIs. Be sure to get the help of co-workers and keep them informed and involved.

3. Educate your supervisors and co-workers. RSIs have been around for as long as people have been working. Here are some other names of injuries that workers created before anyone knew what an RSI was.

RSIs — AKA

@ Carpenter’s Elbow @ Manure Shoveler’s Hip @ Carpet Layer’s Knee @ Cotton Twister’s Hand @ Cherry Pitter’s Thumb @ Cymbal Player’s Shoulder @ Trigger Finger @ Washerwoman’s Sprain @ Writer’s Cramp @ Stitcher’s Wrist @ and: Oh, My Aching Back!

Workers and supervisors need to receive training on the following: # identifying symptoms of RSIs # potential hazards of different kinds of work # proper work station design # g ood posture for working on a computer or other machinery or equipment # e xercises to reduce muscle strain and tension

4. Contact groups that work on RSI issues. In New York State, groups such as NYCOSH conduct RSI training and provide services to working people. They can put you in touch with unions and other support groups that are actively providing services and working to prevent RSIs.

What are the causes of RSIs? RSIs are caused by working conditions such as:

! Constant repetition of the same movement ! Working in an awkward and uncomfortable position ! Poorly designed equipment and furniture ! Working too fast ! No rest or breaks RSIs usually happen because of poor job design — lack of proper equipment and/or tools, inadequate supervision and minimal training can lead to RSIs. Whether you work in an office, a factory, a hospital or a store, be sure to request proper tools to do your work!

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Are You at Risk for RSIs?

Working 9 to 5

There are risks on almost every job. Take a look at the chart below:

If you’re working in an office at a computer, you need an adjustable work station — you should be able to adjust the height of your keyboard and desk, and you should have an adjustable chair that supports your back. And, it also helps to have the right typing technique.

Computer Users/Typists

Hospital Workers/Nurses Aides

hand and wrist injuries from repeating the same motions on the keyboard and/or gripping the mouse and sitting in awkward positions back injuries from repeated lifting of patients, trays and laundry

Cashiers

wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries from scanning items repeatedly and from working the cash register

Stock Handlers

back injuries from repeated lifting of heavy items

Assembly Line and Factory Workers

arm and shoulder injuries from repeating the same motions all day

Construction Workers/ Laborers

back, shoulder, neck and arm injuries from repeated lifting, hammering, drilling, sawing, and doing work over your head

DON’T: @ R est hands on edge of desk or wrist pad

@ T ype with elbows on the desk or on arms of chair

@ S it with spine slumped in the chair

@ Hit the keys too hard @ Press the keys until fingers go white

Construction Sites, Stock Rooms and Factories It is important to use ergonomically correct tools — tools that fit or that can be adjusted to fit your physical needs. Proper lifting equipment should be provided by your boss (i.e., mechanical lifts, dollies). Use this equipment for heavy loads.

Tips for Lifting When Equipment isn’t Available: @N  ever lift heavy loads alone — ASK FOR HELP and only lift when necessary

@ S quat down when you lift, but keep your heels off the floor @ L et your legs do most of the work so your back doesn’t get stressed

@G  et as close to the object as you can and position it between your legs

@ L ift slow & easy, keeping the load close to your body, using your abs and butt muscles as well as your legs, and keep your chin tucked in to keep your back & neck in line

GETTING HELP!! CALL NYCOSH. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a worker-friendly organization that will provide advice to you about where to go for help. NYCOSH is a non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists – all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful workplace.

CONTACT: NYCOSH 212-227-6440 www.nycosh.org 1/11

This publication was created using funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor.

YOUTH ON THE JOB #5 CHEMICAL SOUP Chemicals are everywhere CHEMICAL EXPOSURE CAN BE DANGEROUS for all workers, and young workers — because they are still developing — may be more at risk for health problems when they are exposed to some chemicals.

AN ESTIMATED 1,000 new chemicals are added yearly to a total

of about 140,000 chemicals that are available commercially worldwide. Of these, around 900 have been evaluated for cancer effects—or about 0.6%! Even fewer are tested for other chronic hazards like birth defects.

WHETHER YOU WORK WITH THEM DIRECTLY OR NOT, if there are

chemicals in your workplace, you have the right to know what risks they pose to you and your co-workers.

Chemical Exposure Chemicals can get into your body in a variety of ways: INHALATION — Breathing in fumes, vapors or chemical dust INGESTION — Swallowing chemicals DIRECT CONTACT/ABSORPTION —Some chemicals can

The Most Effective Ways to Protect Workers from Chemical Exposure

damage your skin at the point of contact, and others can get into your body through the skin

If you work with chemicals, make sure to wash your hands before you go to the bathroom, eat or drink, or apply make-up.

THE HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS — In order, these are the best ways to control exposures to hazardous chemicals:

1. E  liminate the Hazardous Chemicals — By substituting less hazardous chemicals, and finding new less toxic ways to make products, exposure to the hazard can be eliminated. 2. P  revent the hazardous chemicals from entering the environment — Through technology, such as ventilation systems, exposure to the toxic materials can be greatly reduced or eliminated. 3. L  imit the workers’ contact with hazardous chemicals — Through creative scheduling, job rotation and better design, interaction of the worker with the chemicals can be reduced. 4. P  ersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) — By wearing and using equipment such as respirators, gloves, goggles and boots, the workers have less direct contact with the hazardous materials.

Keep in mind that employers are  required to follow the “hierarchy of controls” in order to protect their employees from hazardous exposures.

Acute vs. Chronic Chemicals can cause acute and/

or chronic health problems. Acute problems happen immediately after an exposure. Chronic longterm health probems come from repeated chemical exposure. You may not feel the effects for months or years because it takes time for damage to develop. Both acute and chronic health effects can result in permanent injury like skin, respiratory or nervous system ailments, and even cancer.

Chemicals we see every day like solvents — nail polish remover, paint thinners — may cause a rash, headache or nausea. These effects could be acute and/or temporary, but if you are exposed to solvents over a long period of time, serious chronic illnesses could occur. Continued on back

TOXIC OR NOT? TOXIC MEANS POISONOUS. A toxic substance can cause a wide range of injury and illness. A toxic effect may be something you can see, like a rash, or a feeling such as nausea or an illness caused by low-level exposure over a long period of time. And don’t always count on your nose to let you know if something is toxic — sometimes chemicals that you can’t smell can be dangerous, too. When a small amount of a chemical can be harmful, it is considered toxic. A chemical is considered non-toxic when exposure to only a very large amount will cause damage. Construction

Solvents, glues, cement dust, asbestos

Car Mechanic

Gasoline, carbon monoxide, antifreeze, exhaust gases

Supermarket/ Convenience Stores

Floor cleaners, pesticides

Hospital/Healthcare

Latex, cancer drugs, formaldehyde

Restaurant

Floor cleaners, acidic soap

HAZCom — The law The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, also known as “Hazcom” and the New York State “Right-to-Know” are laws that require employers to provide training and to inform workers of: the names of the chemicals they confront on the job the hazards created by those substances the measures required to protect against those hazards

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) give basic safety and ingredient information on specific workplace chemicals. Employers must provide workers with training and a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any hazardous substance that the worker comes in contact with.

Some of the hazardous chemicals you may encounter on the job: “I was working in my church as a janitor and we had to clean everything for the weekend. I found bleach and ammonia under the sink, and decided to mix them. It started to bubble. My throat got dry and I had trouble breathing. I ran out of the church and later found out that when you mix those two chemicals, there’s a reaction that could kill you.” – Manny V. 15 year old boy from NYC

GETTING HELP!! CALL NYCOSH. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a worker-friendly organization that will provide advice to you about where to go for help. NYCOSH is a non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists – all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful workplace.

CONTACT: NYCOSH 212-227-6440 www.nycosh.org 1/11

This publication was created using funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor.

YOUTH ON THE JOB #6

VIOLENCE@ WORK

VIOLENCE ON THE JOB is a BIG CONCERN for YOUNG WORKERS. One out of every five injuries to young workers (20 percent) is caused by assaults or violent acts. (OSHA, 2003) A 16-year-old female restaurant cashier died when she was shot in the head during an armed robbery attempt. The victim worked there when not attending high school, and assisted in most of the business activities, including food preparation, receiving customers’ food orders, and tending the cash register. She was a 10th grade high school student at the time of her death. (Wisconsin FACE Report #00W1012)

Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is unwanted, repeated sexual attention, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can be devastating to its victim, interfering with his/her ability to work because of a threatening, hostile and/or intimidating work environment. The majority of victims of sexual harassment are women, but men can also be victims.

It’s not Just ‘Going Postal’ Violence at work occurs when a worker is made to feel unsafe or threatened, or is the target of violent acts. Violence includes harassment, verbal threats, abuse, assault and homicide. Although the media talks about the violence done to workers by other workers, studies show that most violent acts against workers are done by strangers, clients or patients, and not by co-workers.

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What to do About Sexual Harassment

OBJECT!

MAKE IT CLEAR to the harasser that his/her behavior is unwelcome.

You may be at risk for violence on the job if you

KEEP A RECORD. Write down what is happening to you and be detailed and accurate. Your account should answer the questions: Where and when did it happen? What was said and done?

 ork at night or early in the morning (e.g., at a convenience e W

TALK TO CO-WORKERS. If you think other workers are experiencing the same thing as you, get together and find out. Like with any other workplace hazard or abuse, it is always better not to go it alone. Co-workers may also have witnessed your harassment and can support your account. FILE A COMPLAINT. Depending on where you work, you can file a complaint with either the management, a union representative, or through a company grievance procedure. It is important to let the employer know and have the opportunity to stop it.

store, or a fast food restaurant).

e Exchange money with the public (e.g., at a store or a e e e e e e

restaurant). Work alone (e.g. at a store, restaurant). Work with the public (in social services). Work with patients or clients who may be violent (e.g., at a hospital or nursing home). Guard property or possessions. Work in community settings (e.g., cab drivers and employees “working in the field”). Work in high crime areas.

If you do not get satisfaction, you can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 800-669-4000. They will conduct a telephone interview to determine if they or another agency can help you. Continued on back

IS YOUR WORKPLACE SAFE?

I

t is your employer’s responsibility to provide you with a safe and healthy workplace. There are steps your boss should take to protect you from work-related violence. The best thing to do is to develop a workplace violence prevention program, which should include:

Hazard Analysis To find out the risks at any workplace, employers should 3Review the records of violent incidents, including threats. 3Conduct regular workplace security inspections, using a checklist of possible security concerns for your particular workplace. 3Survey workers to hear about their concerns, and to find out about incidents not reported or “near-misses”.

Prevention Strategies To prevent incidents of violence from occurring, employers should 3Correct unsafe conditions, such as improve lighting. 3Change practices and procedures, such as to hire security or add more staff. 3Use technology, such as alarm systems and surveillance cameras.

Training of Managers and Workers about the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan Everyone in the workplace needs to be provided with 3Training about the proper procedures to follow to prevent incidents, and how to respond during and after an incident. 3Training on how to recognize security hazards, and actions to take to prevent workplace assaults. 3Training in conflict resolution and/or alternatives to violence programs, if necessary.

Incident Reporting and Follow-Up Procedures If a violent incident does occur, there needs to be 3Counseling and support provided for the workers, whether or not they were directly involved. 3Standard incident report forms for the workers to complete; these should be reviewed in order to revise plan as needed. 3Help for victim in filling out police reports, if necessary.  orkplace Violence Prevention Programs should W be evaluated every year to make sure that they are effective.

NEED HELP???? CALL NYCOSH. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) is a worker-friendly organization that will provide advice to you about where to go for help. NYCOSH is a non-profit coalition of 200 local unions and more than 400 individual workers, physicians, lawyers and other health and safety activists – all dedicated to the right of every worker to a safe and healthful workplace.

CONTACT: NYCOSH 212-227-6440 www.nycosh.org 1/11

This publication was created using funds provided by the New York State Department of Labor.

youth onthejob

You can not work with NUCLEAR MATERIALS. • You can not MAKE BOMBS. • You can ... OSHA (which wasn't made a law until 1970!). 1/11. PROTECTION FOR. YOUNG ..... found and decide which are the most serious and mark them with a ...

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