The work environment and children's health, safety, and well- being

In most high-income countries, work looks very different for young people than it does for their peers in low- and middle-income nations. According to the International Labour Organization, approximately 215 million children work in countries around the world, and over half of them labor in environments that constitute the worst forms of child labor, including hazardous workplaces and forced labor. Work among young people in the United States, although a common part of our culture and youth development, is also associated with important health risks. This chapter focuses on several aspects of the work environment in which young US workers are employed and examines challenges and opportunities to increasing safety.