Nonfatal injuries to young workers in the retail trades and services industries in 1998

We estimate the incidence and describe patterns of work-related injuries during 1998 to youth in retail trades and services industiies. Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System and the Current Population Survey were analyzed. The highest number of work-related injuries to youth younger than 18 years occurred in eating and drinking establishments and food stores. Injuries occurring in these industries accounted for 44 % of all young worker injuries. Injury rates were similar during summer and school months. Youth continue to experience high numbers and rates of injuries in retail trades and services. Improvements in safety training and injury prevention in these industries, particularly eating and drinking establishments, food stores, and health services, need to be addressed for youth.