My daughter recently got a part time job at a fast food restaurant. She mentioned to me that some of the machines used to make the food have warnings on them – no one under the age of 18 is allowed to be operating them.
There has been a lot written in the past about the dangers in the workplace for teens. Those dangers are even more pronounced when it comes to teens and young adults with ADHD.
Whether it’s a fast food restaurant, a quick change oil place, or even the local grocery store, there are hazards present, much of it in the form of industrial machinery.
If you have a teen with ADHD looking for a summer or part time job, be alert to the kinds of jobs they are considering. Think about the kinds of equipment in use: heavy duty mixers, deep fryers, large ovens, hoists, etc.
Is there a chance that your child will be operating these things? What might happen if they don’t pay attention?
Also consider the atmosphere where your child will be working. Are there competent managers available at all times? Are they likely to err on the side of caution when it comes to safety or are they willing to do what it takes to make a buck?
I suppose that most jobs present some level of danger for those who don’t pay attention. Still, it’s important to minimize the chances of workplace dangers as much as we can.
