Did you know workers younger than age 18 cannot do several potentially dangerous tasks on the job, such as operate some power-driven machines, use a meat slicer, handle certain hazardous chemicals or operate certain heavy equipment?

The state is emphasizing that and additional information for minors on the job as part of its new Youth Workers’ Rights Initiative that aims to provide young Michiganders with the knowledge and confidence they need to enter the workforce safely, fairly and successfully.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity launched the initiative to coincide with national Workplace Rights Week, which started Monday and extends through Friday.

By investing in early education and outreach, Michigan is taking a proactive approach to building a safer, more informed and more equitable workforce for the future, LEO states in a news release.

“As more young people enter the workforce, it’s critical they understand their rights,” LEO Director Susan Corbin said in the release. “We’re developing resources that will empower the next generation with the tools to stay safe, speak up and make informed decisions in the workplace. When young workers are supported early, they are better positioned to succeed throughout their careers.”

New resources on www.michigan.gov/YouthEmployment are designed to equip young workers with practical skills to recognize unsafe or unlawful situations, understand where to seek help and confidently advocate for themselves.

“This effort is about prevention as much as protection,” LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan said. “By educating young workers early, we can reduce workplace injuries, prevent violations and build a stronger culture of safety and respect across Michigan’s workforce.”

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is providing expertise on workplace safety, helping young workers understand how to identify hazards and avoid injury — particularly in industries where minors are more likely to work, such as food service, retail and agriculture.

LEO’s Wage and Hour Division is contributing guidance on youth employment standards, including work hours, job restrictions, wage protections and compliance requirements. The division also ensures young workers understand how to report violations and access support if their rights are not being upheld.

LEO is building on this initiative to further increase awareness among young workers, improve workplace safety and stronger compliance with labor laws, ultimately fostering a culture where young employees are respected, protected and set up for success, according to the news release.

LEO Labor is working with educational and community partners as well toward building a more formalized curriculum to further these efforts.

For more information about youth employment and workplace rights, go online to www.michigan.gov/YouthEmployment.

For more on the sixth-annual Workplace Rights Week, including Workers Memorial Day being observed today, go to https://www.michigan.gov/leo/news/2026/04/23/michigan-marks-6th-annual-workplace-rights-week.