Tampa, FL (May 5, 2009) — With summer rapidly approaching, some teens have lined up jobs in fast food restaurants, retail outlets, agricultural and construction sites and other industries.

USF SafetyFlorida, a workplace consultation program for Florida’s small businesses, is offering these enterprising teen workers a website dedicated to helping them remain safe on the job. The online workplace safety course, accessed through www.safeteenjobs.com, was developed under the direction of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Through real-life stories and interactive games, teens will learn how to identify and reduce job hazards and know their rights in the workplace. For example, a teen working in a fast-food restaurant will be given techniques for avoiding burns and other kitchen hazards.

“Teens are highly susceptible to occupational injuries,” said Charlene Vespi, program director of USF SafetyFlorida. “They often lack the knowledge of workplace dangers. Safeteenjobs.com is an important resource for teens in understanding potential hazards and empowering them to make smart decisions while working this summer.”

Upon successful completion of the six-lesson course, participants receive a certificate of completion from USF SafetyFlorida. The cost is $39.95, and group rates are available through the American Safety Council, which hosts the website.

For more information, visit www.safeteenjobs.com

About USF SafetyFlorida
USF SafetyFlorida, headquartered in Tampa and with consultants across the state, is a workplace safety consultation program for Florida’s small businesses. It is funded by OSHA and the State of Florida and is operated as a service of the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health. The consultation program offers complimentary, confidential and comprehensive assistance throughout Florida. To help employers profit from a safer workplace, the program identifies workplace hazards, offers solutions for safety and health problems, provides training and education, and assists in creating safety and health management plans. To learn more about the USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program or to request a confidential consultation, visit its website at www.usfsafetyflorida.com.