If your teen is applying for a summer job or maybe already has a part-time job after school and on the weekends, you’re likely proud of their initiative – even if it took some prodding from you. What you may not have thought about is workers’ compensation.
Certainly, no parent wants to think about their child being seriously injured. Illinois law has numerous restrictions on what kind of work minors of various ages can do and what hours they can work. However, even a job in a restaurant, grocery store or at the local country club can be dangerous if everyone isn’t taking the proper precautions.
If a teen is injured badly enough to need medical attention and possibly ongoing treatment, it’s important to know that this is the kind of thing workers’ comp can cover, so that they and their families don’t have to foot the bill for it.
Most Illinois employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance for all employees. Further, over 90% of Illinois employees are eligible for workers’ comp, regardless of their age.
Why teens can be at heightened risk of injury
The workplace can be a more dangerous place for teens working part-time or seasonally than for their older, full-time co-workers. They often don’t get the same safety training as full-time employees, even though they are supposed to. That means they may not be taught basic safety precautions.
Further, teens are often eager to please and willing to do anything asked of them – for example, to carry something heavy for a co-worker or reach something on a high shelf. They’re also more likely to brush off an injury that may be more serious than it appears.
Why teens need to know their rights
Unfortunately, some employers will misinform teens (intentionally or not) that they don’t qualify for workers’ comp because they’re too young or because the employer “bent the rules” to give them greater responsibilities or give them more hours. That’s not the case. They’re still entitled to workers’ comp.
They might fear that their hours will be cut or that they’ll be fired. However, employers can’t retaliate against workers for legitimately seeking workers’ comp.
Of course, it’s better for everyone when workplace safety is as much a priority for teen employees as for anyone else, so that they aren’t injured. If they are, it’s crucial for them to know and, if necessary, assert their rights. Legal guidance may be necessary to get the compensation to which they’re entitled.