New York State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera and the New York State Young Worker Safety and Health Project, a consortium of government agencies, non-profit organizations, unions and worker advocacy groups, today announced it will hold Teen Worker Safety Night, highlighting young worker safety.  The event is held in collaboration with Teen Worker Safety Month.

“As we embark on summer, there isn’t a more appropriate time to talk about teen worker safety,” said Commissioner Rivera.  “With teens seeking – sometimes for the very first time – summer employment, it is absolutely crucial that they and their parents have the right information to ensure their safety.  And what a great way to learn together, and celebrate together – with a night at the ballpark!”

The event will take place at the Tri-City ValleyCats game in Troy, New York on Sunday, June 30th at 7 p.m.  Robbe Cooney (Troy School 1, class of 2009) was chosen to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, in honor of his 10-hour OSHA training completion, First Aid/CPR training and Municipal Tree Pruning Certification from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton-Montgomery.  Events throughout the evening will be held to bring awareness to and education on young worker safety.

Every year thousands of young workers are employed in summer jobs. There are laws that can better protect our youth from unsafe situations, which will be outlined at the event.  Tables with information for teens, parents and employers will be available.

Every year, approximately 200,000 teenagers in the United States are injured on the job, and about 70 teens are killed at work. Every six minutes, a teenager is injured seriously enough on the job to require treatment in a hospital emergency room. Teen workers need to be better educated about the hazards they may face on the job, and they need to know how to best address those concerns to ensure their safety and well-being.

To learn more about youth employment, safety and related labor laws, visit: www.labor.ny.gov/youth.