In today's tight job market, more and more employers, for the first time, will turn to younger people to meet these needs this summer. For many young people, this will be their first job.

The U.S. Department of Labor has instituted a program called "Work Safe This Summer," aimed at reminding employers and older employees that young people have special needs on the job - and they're especially vulnerable on construction projects.

"For most of the 3 million teens with jobs this summer, work will be a rewarding experience," said Labor Secretary Alexis Herman. "But, despite most employers' efforts to provide a safe workplace, some teens will be injured or even killed on the job. And they don't have to. It is vital that business owners know what teens are allowed and not allowed to do."

The first week of June has been selected to bring youth employment to the forefront of employers' minds. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Youths 18 or older may perform any job that any other worker would do, whether hazardous or not, for unlimited hours, in accordance with minimum wage and overtime requirements.
• Youths aged 16- and 17-years-old may perform any non-hazardous job, for unlimited hours (except that, in Michigan, state law restricts 16-and 17-year-old minors to not more than 48 hours school and work combined). A number of restrictions apply to 16-17-year-old teens working construction projects, especially in working around a variety of power tools and hoisting equipment.
• Some companies provide different colored smocks to employees under age 18 so supervisors can quickly see who isn't allowed to operate prohibited equipment.
• It's the employer's responsibility to make sure all workers are trained properly, but veteran workers can help younger workers by double-checking tasks, giving clear instructions, correcting mistakes, and being willing to answer questions.
• Older employees are encouraged to show the rookies how to use safety equipment such as safety shoes, hard hats or gloves. They need to know where to find safety equipment, when and how to use it, and how to care for it. They also need to be told to keep exit doors free from clutter, assure that safety guards remain on machinery or that equipment is turned off or disconnected at the end of each shift.