FIGURE 3-2 Work-related injuries of 14-to 17-year olds, by industry. SOURCE: Data from Layne et al. (1994).

injuries include general merchandise stores, nursing homes, and agriculture (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1996; Layne et al., 1994); see Figure 3-2. Common occupations of youngsters who are injured include food-preparation and food-service workers, cashiers, stock handlers, and baggers (Banco et al., 1992; Cooper and Rothstein, 1995; Miller, 1995).

State-specific data reveal findings that are important for local prevention efforts but are obscured in national statistics. In Alaska, for example, laundry, cleaning, and garment services and the manufacture of specific food products each accounted for 16 percent to 17 percent of the injuries incurred by young workers. In Hawaii, nearly one-fourth of the incidents resulting in injuries occurred in construction. In Vermont, hotels and motels were the most common site of work-related injuries and illnesses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1996).

In targeting industries for prevention activities, it is important to consider not only those with high numbers of injuries, but also those with high rates of injury. The rates indicate the probability or risk of being injured at work. In a large industry that employs a lot of teens,