Your child gets their first job. You’re proud of them, and you know it’s more about the learning experience than the paycheck. This is, you hope, just the first step in a successful career. They may not work in this particular industry for the rest of their life, but they are learning how to work, take responsibility, stick to a schedule and much more.
At the same time, you’re nervous. Your child is now under someone else’s supervision for a large part of the day. If they get injured on the job, do they get workers’ compensation? Can you count on this coverage?
All workers have rights
The short answer is that your child does get workers’ compensation coverage, just like their older co-workers. Age does not bar them from this protection. They still face risks, and all workers have rights.
That said, the state has prohibited young people from taking dangerous jobs. These include:
- Using power-driven paper machines or bakery machines
- Manufacturing chemicals
- Using band saws and circular saws
- Working in coal mines or on railroads
- Working in the logging industry
These are all banned for those from 14 to 17 years old, as are many other jobs. Plus, minors who do not have a driver’s license cannot be employed as drivers in any capacity. All of this is done to keep them safe and prevent injuries.
As you know, of course, your child could suffer an injury in any job. Work duties don’t have to sound dangerous to hold serious risks. If they do get hurt on the job, be sure they receive the workers’ compensation to which they’re entitled.