Cal/OSHA Extends Teen Worker Safety Push Beyond Safe Jobs for Youth Month

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June 27, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA – MedLegalNews.com – The Cal/OSHA teen worker safety initiative is extending beyond its May campaign, Safe Jobs for Youth Month, with heightened efforts throughout the summer employment season. As thousands of minors enter the workforce for seasonal jobs, Cal/OSHA is ramping up inspections, training, and educational outreach to ensure compliance and reduce preventable injuries among young workers.

Teen Workers at Higher Risk During Summer Employment

Teenagers taking on temporary or part-time jobs face unique safety risks, particularly in industries such as hospitality, food service, retail, agriculture, and construction. Due to limited experience and incomplete training, teen workers are more likely to encounter hazards like slips and falls, overexertion, heat exposure, or improper equipment use.

Cal/OSHA warns that teens often lack awareness of their rights or fear reporting unsafe conditions. This makes it essential for employers to proactively safeguard minor employees by implementing training protocols and enforcing compliance with youth labor laws.

Extended Outreach Beyond May

Although Safe Jobs for Youth Month concluded in May, Cal/OSHA teen worker safety efforts are continuing throughout summer. The agency has expanded its partnership network to include local schools, job readiness programs, and youth advocacy groups.

Employers are receiving updated training materials and onsite visits. Safety inspectors are focusing on workplaces with a history of violations or a high concentration of minor workers. These inspections target compliance with California labor laws governing working hours, hazardous duties, and supervision requirements for teens.

You can find more about Cal/OSHA’s youth safety initiatives through the official Young Worker Safety Resource Center maintained by the Department of Industrial Relations.

Legal Requirements for Employers

Under state law, employers have a legal duty to ensure that workplaces are safe for all employees, including minors. The Cal/OSHA teen worker safety campaign reiterates the importance of reviewing safety procedures, revising work assignments for teens, and posting clear multilingual notices about labor protections.

Key employer obligations include:

  • Ensuring work permits are filed and verified
  • Complying with hour restrictions and prohibited task lists for minors
  • Providing supervision and appropriate safety equipment
  • Documenting training and maintaining accessible safety materials

Failure to comply may lead to administrative penalties, lawsuits, and increased scrutiny during seasonal inspections.

California’s Long-Term Commitment to Teen Worker Safety

This summer, Cal/OSHA is demonstrating that its investment in teen worker safety isn’t limited to a single month. The agency’s year-round focus on youth labor protection reflects a broader state policy that values proactive education, employer accountability, and cross-agency enforcement.

Teen Worker Safety Is a Year-Round Responsibility

The Cal/OSHA teen worker safety campaign is more than a seasonal initiative—it’s a long-term strategy to build safer, more equitable workplaces for young Californians. Employers must stay informed and actively compliant to avoid violations and protect their youngest employees.

For official guidance, visit the California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety page on the DIR website, which offers training materials, safety tips, and multilingual resources for employers and educators

Stay informed on youth labor law updates, Cal/OSHA enforcement campaigns, and seasonal compliance priorities—subscribe to MedLegalNews.com for essential legal and regulatory updates.

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