Episode 77 - Young Worker/Child Labor in US

In this episode of the Healthier Workplaces Show Podcast, we speak with industrial hygienists Hilarie Warren, MPH, CIH, and Richard Hirsh, MPH, CIH, FAIHA, who helped develop AIHA’s new guidance document, "Young Worker/Child Labor in the U.S."

Today, we’re exploring how this white paper outlines the growing resurgence of child labor in the United States, documenting rising violations, weakened state protections, and significant injury and fatality risks, especially in agriculture, meat processing, and retail. It calls for stronger enforcement, improved data collection, and coordinated action among government, employers, schools, and communities to protect young workers’ health, safety, and educational opportunities.