Injuries Among Working Youth: Results of School Based Surveys in North Carolina and South Carolina

Background: Descriptive data on occupational injuries among youth workers is scarce. Studying relationships of injuries with safety training, issuance of work permits and use of protective measures is important for designing effective interventions.

Methods: Data were obtained from school based surveys in 32 randomly selected high schools in North Carolina and South Carolina in fall 2005. A total of 844 youth in North Carolina and 814 youth in South Carolina were surveyed. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulations were used to describe injuries and assess their relationships with safety training, protective clothing and equipment, and issuance of work permits. Protective measures were specific to the type of job and place of employment.

Results: A total of 77 youth reported injuries in both states. Frequently reported injuries were: broken bones, burns, deep cuts, and multiple injuries. Two thirds of injured youth in each state did not have any safety training and 48% of injured youth in North Carolina had work permits.

The majority of injuries occurred in fast food places, grocery stores, construction sites, and recreational facilities. Use of protective equipment was lacking among youth who had burns, all of whom worked in fast food places, and among youth who suffered multiple injuries and broken bones and worked in food services and in construction sites.

Conclusions: Findings have implications for targeting safety training and educational interventions at industries and occupations hazardous to young workers. There is a need to address gaps in training and compliance with existing regulations for protecting youth workers.