Are teens who work in family-businesses more likely to engage in hazardous tasks and be injured compared with other working teens

BACKGROUND: Teens who work for their parents or guardians may be at a greater risk for work-related injury or illness compared with other working teens, because current federal child labor laws do not apply to teens working in family-owned businesses; as long as the work does not involve tasks which are considered hazardous. While anecdotal evidence has suggested that teens employed by their families are “overworked” and “underpaid,” no actual information regarding the work experiences of these teens is available.

METHODS: A comprehensive questionnaire was administered to 8,085 high school students in multiple school districts throughout Wisconsin. In total, 6,810 students responded to the survey (84% response rate).

RESULTS: Compared to other working teens, teens employed in family-businesses were statistically more likely to work 23 or more hours per week, work before 8:00 AM, and be exposed to hazardous substances. Teens employed in family-businesses were significantly more likely to be injured (15.7% vs. 12.6%, p=0.025) and suffer more severe injuries (29.8% vs. 23%, p=0.0123) compared to other working teens. The job tasks of teens employed in family-businesses were different compared with other working teens. Teens employed in family businesses were statistically more likely to report doing hazardous tasks such as roofing, carpentry, and tree-trimming.

CONCLUSIONS: Teens employed in family-businesses have a different work profile compared with other working teens. They work longer hours, they work different hours, and they do different tasks, including more hazardous tasks. Changes in labor laws need to be considered to protect teens employed by families.