Description of Accident
A teen had been working as a barista at a small coffeehouse for one month. While restocking supplies, he stood on a stool to reach for the paper towels. The stool slipped, and the employee fell. His head struck the floor, and he suffered a concussion.
How to Prevent Similar Accidents
- Train employees to use ladders or stepstools properly, and make sure employees know where to find them.
- Place commonly used supplies where they can be accessed without ladders and stepstools.
- Instruct employees to use the appropriate ladder or stepstool to access materials above shoulder height.
- Do not allow employees to use chairs or tables in place of ladders.
- Make sure ladders and step stools are rated properly for weight and working conditions.
Other Best Practices
- Provide hands-on training to new employees. Cover safety policies and procedures as well as job-specific information.
- Discuss work processes and procedures with all new employees, regardless of age, as soon as they begin work.
- Mentor teen workers to ensure a full understanding of job hazards and risks. Encourage workers to ask questions and share ideas.
- Provide personal protective equipment that is required for the job, and instruct in how it should be used and maintained.
- Check in with new employees often. Frequent interaction with all employees is the key to making sure procedures and policies are being followed safely.
- Demonstrate techniques and processes so your employees can see how a task should be completed. Remember to follow your policies and procedures while you are training others.
- Don't make assumptions that employees understand your explanations. Younger workers often smile and nod because they want to please their managers and supervisors. Ask workers to restate your instructions.
- Be a positive role model. You may be the first employer a teen worker encounters. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide workplace safety education and be a great example of a supportive, caring employer.
Safety Quiz
In a teen worker's first six months on the job, which type of injury is most common?
A. Burn/Scald (2%)
B. Cut/Puncture (30%)
C. Crush/Bruise (14%)
D. Fracture (3%)
E. Sprain/Strain (23%)
(The correct answer is B.)