Five effective safety training tips for teen employees

The new Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed on May 21, 2008, included provisions that increase penalties for child labor violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The increased fines apply to death or serious injury to children and went into effect the same day GINA was signed. Employers now face a maximum penalty of $50,000 for each violation with the possibility of up to $100,000 in penalties for cases involving repeated or willful employer violations.

Properly training employees is the number one defense to warding off workplace injuries. Especially during the summer months when more teenagers are employed, it is crucial to have all employees fully trained in safety procedures.

The increased FLSA fines come just as the Department of Labor (DOL) kicks off National Safety Month, an annual campaign to save lives through awareness of injury prevention and the leading causes of unintentional injury and death.

Even though June has already started, it’s not too late to kick off your own safety month to make sure all of your employees have the proper safety training, including those young summer hires. Here are five tips for effective safety training for teen employees:

1. Use a computer-based/online training program. Teens today do everything on the Internet from talking to their friends to buying a new T-shirt.
2. Define your expectations. Young employees want to know exactly what you want from them and how safety training will benefit their lives.
3. Report on employee progress. Let young employees know how they’re progressing through the training program. They want to be sure they’re on the right track to meeting your expectations.
4. Reward their achievements. However small or large the achievement may be, teen and Gen Y employees need constant feedback on their progress. Be honest, direct and fair in your communication.
5. Ask for feedback. Gen Y, sometimes called Gen “Why?” always think there is a better way to do something and want you to hear what they have to say. Be open to new ideas, they may benefit your training program in ways you never thought before.
   

Read the full article “Targeting Employees Under 30 – Effective Safety Training Methods for a New Generation of Worker” from our TrainingTime Learning Library.