May 13, 2025 | Oakland, CA — MedLegalNews.com — The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC), a division of the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), has officially launched its annual Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign. Each May, this statewide initiative underscores the critical need to protect young workers from preventable workplace injuries, especially as teens increasingly join the workforce during summer months.
The Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign serves as a reminder to employers, parents, and educators about the specific risks faced by teenage workers, who may lack experience or proper safety training. By raising awareness and providing targeted resources, the campaign aims to reduce accidents and foster safer employment opportunities for California’s youth.
This year’s campaign is especially timely, with labor shortages prompting more businesses to hire minors for part-time and seasonal work. CHSWC stresses that employers must comply with California labor laws designed to safeguard minors, including restrictions on hazardous work, required breaks, and proper supervision.
Raising Awareness for Teen Worker Safety
CHSWC collaborates with a broad coalition—including state agencies, educators, employers, and families—to raise awareness about the health and safety risks young workers face on the job. The Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign plays a vital role in educating stakeholders on how to protect teens from workplace hazards that could lead to injuries or long-term health issues.
The initiative is part of a broader statewide public information effort led by the California Partnership for Young Worker Health and Safety. This collaboration ensures that key safety messages reach not just employers, but also parents and schools, who are instrumental in preparing teens for their first jobs.
The University of California, Berkeley’s Labor Occupational Health Program (LOHP) coordinates the campaign, ensuring that educational tools and resources are both comprehensive and accessible. These include multilingual fact sheets, interactive quizzes, and lesson plans designed to help teens identify workplace hazards and understand their rights on the job. By promoting these resources, Safe Jobs for Youth Month empowers both young workers and their employers to foster safer work environments.
For more information and access to youth-focused workplace safety resources, visit the official campaign page at YoungWorkers.org.
Resources Available to Educators, Employers, and Teens
The Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign provides a wide range of educational materials tailored to protect young workers as they enter the job market. These resources include safety posters, fact sheets, interactive quizzes, a dedicated mobile app, and a comprehensive educator resource kit. These tools are designed not only for teens but also for educators and employers who play a critical role in guiding young workers on workplace safety standards.
In addition to educational materials, the campaign highlights best practices for employers, such as proper training, supervision, and awareness of tasks that minors are legally prohibited from performing under California labor law. By actively participating in Safe Jobs for Youth Month, employers can better understand their responsibilities and foster a culture of safety that protects vulnerable teen workers.
CHSWC strongly encourages all employers who hire minors to regularly review their legal obligations, reinforce safety protocols, and implement preventive measures. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance with state labor laws but also contributes to reducing preventable injuries among California’s young workforce.
About CHSWC
The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation monitors California’s workers’ compensation and occupational health systems. It recommends legislative or administrative reforms aimed at reducing injuries and improving system performance. CHSWC also reviews safety programs in other states for potential adoption in California.
For more information, visit the CHSWC website or email the Commission at chswc@dir.ca.gov.
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What is the Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign in California?
The Safe Jobs for Youth Month campaign is a statewide initiative in California aimed at raising awareness about workplace safety for young workers. Led by the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) and supported by various state agencies and organizations, the campaign provides resources, education, and training to help protect teens entering the workforce from preventable injuries.