June 27, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA – MedLegalNews.com – Cal/OSHA teen worker safety efforts are extending through the summer, following the agency’s annual Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign held in May. As youth employment surges during summer break, Cal/OSHA is intensifying educational outreach, worksite monitoring, and employer compliance checks to prevent injuries among minors in the workforce.
Teen Workers Face Greater Risks During Summer Jobs
Each year, thousands of teenagers enter the workforce for summer jobs, often in industries with elevated safety risks. These include food service, hospitality, agriculture, construction, and retail. Cal/OSHA warns that young workers are especially vulnerable to workplace injuries due to their limited experience, training, and knowledge of safety protocols.
Common hazards include slips and falls, improper equipment use, overexertion, exposure to heat, and tasks involving sharp tools or machinery. Many teens also face language barriers or are unaware of their legal rights, making them less likely to report unsafe conditions. Cal/OSHA emphasizes that employers must take proactive steps to ensure a safe working environment.
Cal/OSHA Builds on May Campaign With Expanded Outreach
While Safe Jobs for Youth Month officially ended in May, Cal/OSHA is maintaining momentum through the summer by continuing to partner with schools, youth employment programs, and employers. The agency is distributing updated training materials, conducting in-person safety presentations, and coordinating with local health departments and advocacy groups to reinforce workplace safety for minors.
In addition to educational resources, Cal/OSHA has launched follow-up inspections targeting businesses known to hire teen workers. Officials are prioritizing sectors with a history of safety violations or increased injury reports involving minors. These inspections focus on compliance with youth labor laws, including restrictions on hazardous duties and limitations on working hours.
Employers Have a Legal Duty to Protect Young Workers
Cal/OSHA reminds employers that protecting teen workers is not optional—it is a legal requirement. The agency urges employers to revisit their safety protocols, update staff training, and ensure that supervisors understand the specific laws that apply to minor employees. This includes California’s restrictions on night shifts, equipment usage, and the number of hours teens may work per week.
Employers must also post required notices and make safety guidelines accessible to all employees, especially those with limited English proficiency. Cal/OSHA encourages the use of multilingual training materials and direct communication with young workers to build awareness of safety rights.
A Statewide Commitment to Workplace Safety
Cal/OSHA’s extended efforts show a continued commitment to ensuring that young workers can gain job experience without sacrificing their health or safety. The agency calls on all employers to lead by example—through prevention, education, and consistent compliance.
Although Safe Jobs for Youth Month has ended, Cal/OSHA’s message remains clear: protecting teen workers is a year-round responsibility that strengthens California’s workforce and legal integrity.
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