Summer break doesn't have to result in a summer break

School is out and its officially summer break. But, as many young workers head out the door for their first job, SAIF wants to make sure they don't get their first workplace injury.

Unfortunately, since 2010 there were nearly 12,000 young worker injury claims (between the ages of 16 and 24) reported to SAIF during the summer months of June, July, and August—more than 30 percent of all young worker injury claims. More than 500 of those injuries were within the first week on the job.

In fact, summer break injuries were 48 percent more likely for young workers than winter break injuries (in November, December, and January) during that timeframe.

"Our goal is to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work—starting with ensuring young workers know the importance of workplace safety, on the first day of their first job," said Kevin Pfau, senior safety management consultant at SAIF. "For employers, this is a good reminder to teach all employees about safety, even if they aren't full time or long term."

While workplace safety is critical in any industry, young worker injuries are most common among jobs in restaurants, retirement centers, and auto service providers (including car washes). The three most common injuries were strains and sprains, lacerations, and contusions or bruises—making up more than 66 percent of claims.

Young workers and employers interested in more information can visit saif.com/youngworkers.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work.