School Board Promotes Job Safety for Working Youth
LOS ANGELES (Apr. 24, 2019) – The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted Tuesday to declare May as Safe Jobs for Youth Month. Sponsored by Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson, the resolution aims to educate working students about their rights and safe habits in the workplace.
“We are committed to the health and safety of every student,” Board Member Schmerelson said. “Students who develop awareness of dangerous conditions – and who receive safety training early in their employment experience – will have a much better chance to have a long, productive and safe career.”
The resolution became part of a tradition in the State of California to focus on youth workplace safety in the month of May, as the rate of teen employment typically skyrockets in the summer. A 2000 proclamation by then-governor Gray Davis convened a California Study Group on Young Workers’ Health and Safety and called for teaching packets on safe workplace habits to be distributed to schools across the state.
Tuesday’s resolution called on Los Angeles Unified schools to promote awareness of workplace rights and safety through classroom lessons, assemblies and other activities.
“Providing a safe learning environment is always our top priority,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “This reminds us of the importance to educate working students about their rights and safe habits in the work place.”
Students and teachers spoke in support of the resolution during the Board meeting.
“We all have rights, but many teens don’t know about their rights in the work place,” said Wooden High School senior Estephanie Aparicio “We are proud that Los Angeles Unified is joining us in proclaiming May as ‘Safe Jobs for Youth Month.’ Information helps teens to work smart and work safe.”
Wooden High School teacher Brenda Young thanked the Board for its resolution saying, “Knowing teen worker rights, health and safety information is vital to preparing our students to be career ready. Proclaiming May as ‘Safe Jobs for Youth Month’ raises this awareness. Check out http://youngworkers.org to learn more.”
Schmerelson’s colleagues on the Board unanimously voiced support.
“Our students are graduating at higher rates, and all seek work experience to support their transition to self-sufficiency and adulthood,” Board President Mónica García said. “We join with all who provide valuable and safe opportunities for learning & support the next generation of our workforce! Our students are talented and ready to serve.”
“Our goal at Los Angeles Unified is to set all our students up for post-secondary success,” Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said. “As we prepare our students to enter the workforce, we must ensure that they will be safe, supported and informed of their rights to prevent harassment and discrimination in these jobs.”
“Workplace safety and school safety should go hand-in-hand for our students,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “It should be a critical component of our work to prepare every student for college and careers.”
“More and more of our students are gaining valuable work experience while still in school, through internships, linked learning and jobs outside the classroom,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “It is imperative that they know how to protect themselves while on the job so they can continue to learn and grow as they gain the skills necessary for 21st century careers.”
"Many of our students face safety challenges in the very neighborhoods they live in,” Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “They shouldn't be subjected to additional potential harm at their worksites. Their minds should be on studies, not on worrying about the dangers of the workplace."