Injuries among Young Workers
One quarter of economically active children suffer injuries or illnesses while working, according to an International Labor Organization survey of 26 countries.Each year, as many as 2.7 million healthy years of life are lost due to child labor, especially in agriculture.Many of the industries that employ large numbers of young workers in the United States have higher-than-average injury rates for workers of all ages, such as grocery stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and agriculture.
Why do young workers have more accidents than adults?
Metal Worker
India, 1995
Photo: David Parker
“Unskilled” and labor-intensive jobs may be risky.Training and supervision may be inadequate.Work may be illegal and inappropriate.Lesser experience at work can increase the risk of aaccidents.
Poverty: An Additional Risk Factor
Low-income youth are more likely to work in high-risk occupations such as agriculture, mining, and construction.Poverty-related health problems (e.g., malnutrition, fatigue, anemia) increase the risks and consequences of work-related hazards and may lead to permanent disabilities and premature death.
Psychosocial Effects of Child Labor
Long hours of work on a regular basis can harm children’s social and educational development.
U.S. adolescents who work more than 20 hours per week have reported more problem behaviors (e.g., aggression, misconduct, substance use), and sleep deprivation and related problems (falling asleep in school). They are more likely to drop out of school and complete fewer months of higher education.The unconditional worst forms of child labor (e.g., slavery, soldiering, prostitution, drug trafficking) may have traumatic effects, including longer term health and socioeconomic effects.
Hazards of Agricultural Child Labor
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