Parents need to help teens understand workplace safety

Parents spend endless hours worrying about the safety of their children – doing everything from “baby-proofing” the house for a toddler to giving stern lectures to new teen drivers.

But recent research published in the “Journal of Adolescent Health” and highlighted in the August issue of the National Safety Council magazine “Safety and Health” says that although 90% of parents helped their teen find a job, less than half helped their child ask questions about workplace safety.

Recommendations for parental questions include:
• How much training have you had?
• If handling cash, what are you to do in the event of a robbery?
• Are you alone in your workplace?
• Are you working with machines or tools that could be hazardous?
• Have you been trained on how to deal with an angry customer?
• Is an adult manager on-site?

Good questions to ask any child who is working. While parents are at it, they shouldn’t forget that a teen’s greatest risk is driving. Parents shouldn’t forget to explain “why” it is important to:

• Buckle up
• Not be distracted by texting, cell phones or friends in the car
• Obey the law
• Not drink and drive
• Practice defensive driving

Talk to your kids, family and friends. Make safety 24-7 for your loved ones and others in your community.