By Mishell Coronel-Le, MPH
Outreach and Education Program Coordinator, Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health
Every year, thousands of young workers step into the workforce with ambition and energy but without the knowledge to protect themselves. Young workers especially ages 18-24 have the highest rate of workplace injuries. For every 100 full-time workers aged 18 to 24, there are 2.3 work-related injuries on average in a year (Bureau of Labor Statistics,) largely due to inexperience, lack of training, and limited awareness of their rights. Work-related injuries and illnesses don’t just affect the body, they can take a serious toll on the individual’s mental health as well. Chronic pain, limited mobility, and long recovery times can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress. In some cases, workers may be unable to return to their jobs, which can cause financial strain and a loss of identity or purpose. These combined physical and emotional burdens often impact families and communities too. It’s time we change that narrative by investing in occupational health and safety education tailored specifically to our youth.
At the Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, we’ve seen firsthand the power of early intervention. Since April 2023, our team has conducted workplace health and safety workshops for 269 youth across New York City and the Mid-Hudson Valley. These workshops aren’t just about rules and regulations they equip young people with the tools to identify hazards, understand legal protections, and build the confidence to speak up for their safety. Titled “Empowering Young Workers” Safety, Rights, and Health in the Workplace,” the workshop is a 30-minute session followed by a 15-minute Q&A. It covers keys topics such as recognizing work-related injuries, overview of work-related illnesses, identifying job hazards, understanding legal rights and responsibilities, and accessing tools to stay safe on the job.
Post-workshop questionnaires show promising results: participants report stronger comprehension and a greater willingness to advocate for safer work environments. In fact, nearly 74% of attendees “strongly agreed” that they could apply what they learned in their daily lives. Over 70% said they would “strongly recommend” the workshop to others. And when asked how confident they felt about knowing what to do if they were injured or developed a work-related illness, more than two-thirds reported feeling “very confident”. And that’s exactly the culture we want to foster one where young worker’s feel empowered, not intimidated. One where safety isn’t an afterthought, but a foundational principle.
Embedding these programs into high school curriculum, vocational training, and early employment experiences isn’t just good policy it’s smart economics. Safer workplaces mean fewer injuries, lower healthcare costs, and higher productivity. More importantly, they mean peace of mind for families and communities.
As public health professionals, we need to support and expand access to youth-centered occupational safety programs. By teaching safety early, we’re not just protecting young workers today we’re shaping a healthier, more resilient workforce for tomorrow.
To learn more about how we support worker health and safety, visit www.mountsinai.org/selikoff
Reference:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work, 2021. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/osh.nr0.htm