The National Consumers League has compiled a list of the worst teen jobs. These jobs are the worst not because they are boring or low pay jobs, but because they are dangerous. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, a teen American worker is injured on the job every two minutes, and one teen dies from a workplace injury every five days.
National Consumers League Five Worst Teen Jobs:
1. Agriculture: Fieldwork and Processing
2. Construction and Work in Heights
3. Outside Helper: Landscaping, Groundskeeping, and Lawn Service
4. Driver/Operator: Forklifts, Tractors, and ATVs
5. Traveling Youth Crews
More Bad Jobs
Other jobs that are dangerous include operating forklifts, driving, working on roofs, and applying or handling pesticides on farms. These are prohibited by child labor laws as hazardous, but job seekers need to be aware of the restrictions.
Good Advice for Teen Job Seekers
National Consumers League Vice President for Fair Labor Standards Darlene Adkins has good advice for teens look for a job: "When looking for employment, the most important question teens can ask isn’t, 'How much will I make?' It’s 'How safe is this job?' A good job isn’t just about earning money. It’s about staying safe at work and going back to school next fall with all of your body parts intact."
That's really important to keep in mind, both for teens who are job searching, and for their parents.
