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Role of work permits in teen workers' experiences
Author(s) -
Delp Linda,
Runyan Carol W.,
Brown Marianne,
Bowling J. Michael,
Jahan Shamim Ara
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.10070
Subject(s) - work (physics) , medicine , occupational safety and health , work hours , medical education , human factors and ergonomics , focus group , applied psychology , poison control , environmental health , psychology , marketing , engineering , mechanical engineering , pathology , business
Background Work permits are required for working teenagers under 18 in 41 US states, but little is known about the work experience of those with work permits compared with those without such permits. This study examines job hazards, training, and knowledge of child labor laws reported by students in a predominantly Latino high school in Los Angeles and compares the responses of those who obtained work permits with those who did not. Methods Student responses to a 60 item questionnaire were supplemented with information from focus groups and a survey of work permits issued by the school. Results Students without work permits were more likely to perform hazardous tasks and to use certain types of dangerous equipment and less likely to receive health and safety training than those with permits. Conclusion Possible explanations for the findings and suggested areas in need of policy change or research are considered. Am. J. Ind. Med. 41:477–482, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.