MENUMENU LOGINJOBS Alaska Young Worker Safety Home » Alaska Young Worker Safety Resources BackgroundDid you know that for many young Alaskans, starting a job could come with a deadly risk? Good work should be safe and support well-being. Yet, a recent study reveals a startling reality: Alaskan young workers (ages 15–24) face the second highest work-related fatality rate in the nation, with thousands suffering injuries every year.* This data is a call to action for better protections and awareness in the workplace. Despite progress in reducing injuries, young Alaskans aged 15-24 still face significant risks in the workplace, with injuries and fatalities occurring at alarming rates. Research underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to safeguarding young workers, involving employers, public health professionals, educators, parents, and the workers themselves. Prioritizing education, effective training, and adequate supervision can reduce preventable incidents.*Evoy R, et al. BMC Public Health, 2023; 23:57.Alaska Safety Alliance is on the Region 10 Young Worker Safety Committee, led by the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Health Sciences (UW DEOHS), a NIOSH-affiliated education and research center, to learn and share best practices from other states with Alaska. Together We Can Educate & Empower Young Workers in AlaskaMost Common Cause of Injuries Struck by object or equipment Overexertion—pushing body to do things beyond healthy limits Forcible contact or impact against object, tool, or equipment Job Sectors with Most Injuries Commercial Fishing Food Processing Retail Sales Material Moving Construction Healthcare Food Service Industry/Cooking Most Common, Serious or Lost- Time Injuries Sprains, strains, tears Bruises/contusions Fractures Lacerations/Punctures/Amputations How can we prevent young worker fatality and injury?Ensure young workers understand their right to be safe at work. Employers Follow health, safety, and State and Federal labor laws. Review workplace plans to prevent injury and illness. Supervise young and inexperienced workers closely. Deliver job-specific training. Ensure workers understand how to use appropriate safety equipment. Empower young workers to voice their concerns. Parents Learn about State and Federal labor laws. Talk to your children about workplace safety and their rightto a safe workplace. Educators Incorporate school-based work curriculum in course work. Provide all students with resources on health, safety, andworkers rights. Provide resources and training to students on hazard identificationAlaska Young Worker Education & Empowerment Flyer / Northwest Pacific Young Worker Resource FlyerResources Below is a curated list of free resources designed to assist in promoting the safety and well-being of Alaska’s young workforce. The link materials include contributions from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Occupational Safety and Health Division (Alaska OSHA) and Wage & Hour Division (ADOL Wage & Hour). These shared materials are a great starting point for those in search of free resources. Please note, the list is not a comprehensive collection of materials and is not meant to provide legal advice. For specific questions, please reach out to ADOL Wage & Hour or Alaska OSHA directly, or contact Alaska Safety Alliance. Educators Materials For Teachers, Youth Employment Programs, and Community Volunteers Child Labor Laws and Educators Youth@Work—Talking Safety Curriculum for Alaska Hazard Recognition for Educators (Presentation & Materials ZIP file) Young Workers Young Workers – You have rights! Child Labor Laws and Young Workers Youth & Young Worker Employment Employers Employment-Related Posters AKDOLWD Wage and Hour Child Labor Laws and Employers Wage and Hour Administration Pamphlet 200 U.S. Dept. of Labor & OSHA YouthRules Field Operations Handbook – Chapter 33 OSHA Videos Child Labor Bulletin 101 General Safety and Health Sample Programs Alaska OSHA Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Training Videos AKOSH Quick Guide to Statutes and Regulations Quick Guide to Hazard Communication AKOSH N95 Respirator FAQs Physical Agent Data Sheets (PADS)