New “Young Worker” Website for Teens Offers One-Stop Resource for Employers, Educators, Parents

A press release from the Connecticut Department of Labor

A new website geared to provide young workers a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace – and also serve as a valuable resource to employers, educators and parents – was launched this week.

Developed by members of the Connecticut Young Worker Health & Safety Team, the website http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/YoungWorkerSafety/index.htm brings together in one place specific resources pertaining to the laws and regulations, training programs, educational materials, statistical data, and local news and events associated with hiring a young worker. Topics include guidelines regarding high-risk jobs, prohibited occupations for minors under 18, time and hour restrictions for workers that are 16 or 17, and permitted jobs for workers between the ages of 14 and 15.

“Thanks to the work of this group, the extensive resources of state and federal agencies, community groups, and regional organizations are now housed under one electronic site to help minimize the confusion that often arises when a young person wants to enter the world of work,” said Gary K. Pechie, Director of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Division of Wage and Workplace Standards and a member of the team.

Department of Public Health employee Deborah Pease, who serves as chairperson of the group and played a major role in creating the site, noted that it brings together in one accessible place the extensive informational resources of the Connecticut Department of Labor and it’s CONN-OSHA division; the Connecticut departments of Public Health and Education; the U.S. Labor Department; ConnectiCOSH; Capitol Region Education Council; CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund; and Central CT State University.

“We are hopeful that this one-stop resource will be beneficial to anyone looking for information pertaining to young workers employed in Connecticut,” Pease noted. “Young workers between the ages of 15 and 24 have approximately twice the rate of non-fatal injuries as older workers and if we can prevent one young worker injury as a result of this website, then we feel as if our mission has been accomplished.”

According to Pechie, the Connecticut Young Worker Health & Safety Team is a nationally-recognized group of professionals dedicated to promoting health and safety among young workers. Formed in 1998, proactive outreach and education has been a continuing effort of the group. 

“This new website will continue to be a work-in-progress – and part of our ongoing commitment to keeping young workers healthy and safe,” Pechie said.