Most kids get their first part-time job when they’re in high school. Often, it involves working in a store or restaurant. It involves doing something outdoors, like working with children in a day camp or as a lifeguard during the summer.
Whether your teen is working after school, during holiday breaks or throughout the summer, you may not have worried much about them getting injured – especially if they’re doing something that mostly involves indoor work. However, teens are often at higher risk of injury than their older counterparts.
Why teens may be at increased risk of injury
That’s due in part to lack of training and proper protective gear – both of which are the employer’s responsibility. Businesses often just don’t put in the same time and care with part-time and temporary workers as they do with full-time employees – even though they owe them that. Often, younger workers are just more agreeable to taking on potentially risky tasks like climbing up to high shelves or moving heavy boxes without the appropriate equipment.
Unfortunately, teen workers are less likely to seek workers’ compensation if they’re injured than adults are. They may not even know what it is. Even if they do, they may not think they’re entitled to it.
Teen workers’ rights
Here are a few things that all California teen workers – and their parents – should know about workers’ comp. In most cases:
- Minors have the same right to seek workers’ comp as adult workers.
- Workers in part-time, seasonal and temporary jobs have a right to workers’ comp.
- Workers can’t be terminated or retaliated against for filing a valid claim.
Further, California even has a “Bill of Rights” for young workers. This includes the right to a safe workplace and prohibition from doing especially hazardous jobs.
Nearly every California employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your teen has suffered an injury or illness due to their job, don’t let them be discouraged or even prohibited from filing a claim that can get them needed compensation for medical care and a portion of lost wages. It may be wise to seek legal guidance to protect their rights.