@article{ref1,
title="Communication breakdown: how working teens' perceptions of their supervisors impact safety and injury",
journal="Work",
year="2016",
author="Zierold, Kristina M. and McGeeney, Teresa J.",
volume="54",
number="1",
pages="3-9",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Every nine minutes a young worker is injured on the job. Adult supervision is recommended to prevent injury among teen workers, yet limited research exists on supervision or the supervisor-teen relationship. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to: (a) explore teens' perceptions of supervision and supervisors, (b) characterize teen-supervisor communication, and (c) investigate the role of communication in injury and workplace safety. <br><br>METHODS: In spring 2010, focus groups and interviews were conducted with working teenagers, 15-19 years old. <br><br>RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of teens were injured at work and most did not report their injuries to their supervisors. The majority of teenagers perceived supervision as &quot;being watched&quot; to make sure you are &quot;staying on task.&quot; Teens viewed their supervisors as uninterested and uncaring, which greatly impacted communication. As one 15-year old female who was severely burned stated: &quot;they don't care.&quot; Self-blame after teens sustained an injury further complicated the teen-supervisor relationship and communication. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Working teenagers have complicated relationships with their supervisors. Many liked their supervisors, but felt their supervisors were apathetic towards them. Supervisors who engage teens in a mentoring relationship may be successful in resolving uncomfortable power dynamics which may increase communication and; therefore, safety for working teens.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1051-9815",
doi="10.3233/WOR-162290",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/WOR-162290"
}