Workplace Health and Safety

Injuries among younger workers (under the age of 25) are common because of the many hazards present in the places they typically work, such as restaurants with exposures to flames and steam, slippery floors, and others. Below are resources to promote the health and safety of New Jersey’s younger working population.

• Young Food Service Workers in NJ: A Burning Issue
• OSHA Resources for Young Worker Safety and Health
• NIOSH Young Worker Safety and Health
• NJ Safe Schools Program

Youth workers (under the age of 18) are usually inexperienced and unfamiliar with job tasks required of them. Education and proper training in health and safety is important to prevent work-related injuries and fatalities among this population of workers.  

• Youth@Work—Talking Safety Curriculum for New Jersey (NIOSH)

Injuries and conditions, if work-related or occupational, in minors are reportable. Reporting is vital to preventing further injuries and illnesses and is required by the New Jersey regulations listed below.

• N.J.A.C. 8:58 - Physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants
• N.J.A.C. 8:58 - Hospitals
• New Jersey Department of Education N.J.A.C. 6A:19-6.5

Whereas the NJ Department of Health tracks all illnesses and injuries of workers in New Jersey, the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development enforces the NJ Child Labor Law which protects minors from working excessively and under hazardous conditions. For more information on child labor laws visit:

NJ Department of Labor: Young Workers

• U.S. Department of Labor: Child Labor
• U.S. Department of Labor: Child Labor Fact Sheets
• U.S. Department of Labor: Child Labor Enforcement: Keeping Young Workers Safe