Work permits are required for teenagers under 18 in forty-one U.S. states, but little is known about the work experience of those with work permits compared to 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. Student responses to a 60 item questionnaire were supplemented with information from focus groups and a survey of work permits issued by the school in a one year period.
Among the 296 students in the sample, almost 1/2 of those under 18 had work experience and therefore were required to obtain a work permit. However, only 42% of those students had done so. 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. Significantly more of those with work permits were knowledgeable about specific child labor laws.
Focus group discussions indicate reasons students do not obtain work permits, including lack of information and immigrant status. We discuss explanations for the differences in knowledge and work experience of those students with and without work permits, including characteristics of the employer, differential access to resources and the work permit process itself. Policy changes and areas for additional research are proposed for consideration.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Recognize the potential role of work permits in protecting teen worker health and safety 2. Describe differences between youth with and without work permits regarding exposure to hazards and knowledge of child labor laws 3. Analyze strategies to make the work permit process more effective at protecting working youth
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Occupational Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.