Teens play an important role in Oklahoma’s workforce. Whether they’re working after school and on weekends, filling seasonal or temporary jobs during the holidays and summer or have left school to help support their family, they have just as much right to a safe workplace as their adult co-workers.
If they suffer a workplace injury or illness, they also have the same right to workers’ compensation. According to Oklahoma’s Workers’ Compensation Act, an “employee” refers to “any person, including a minor, in the service of an employer under any contract of hire or apprenticeship, written or oral, expressed or implied….” Oklahoma law requires most employers to carry workers’ comp insurance.
Working teens are more at risk of injury than many parents realize
Most parents don’t consider their children to be in “dangerous” jobs. Oklahoma, like other states, has child labor laws that restrict what kinds of work minors of various ages are legally allowed to do. However, just about any job can carry potential risks. Being a server in a restaurant, stocking the shelves in a large store and making deliveries can all carry serious injury risks.
Teens can be at even greater risk of injury than older workers because they too often don’t get the same amount of safety training as full-time employees – even though they should. Further, teen workers are generally less risk-averse and eager to please than adults. That means they’re often more likely to do potentially dangerous things like lift something on their own rather than get the proper equipment or not ask someone to spot them on a ladder.
Teens need to know their workplace rights
It’s crucial for parents of working teens to know their rights when it comes to workers’ comp – and to make sure their teens know them. Unfortunately, too many employers don’t know the law or even intentionally give young workers inaccurate information.
Teens need to know that they should immediately report any injury and that if they require medical care, they likely have the right to file a workers’ comp claim without suffering any consequences like being fired.
If you have questions or concerns about your child’s workers’ comp rights or their claim, getting experienced legal guidance can help you protect their rights and their well-being.