HEALTH-HAZARDS AMONG WORKING CHILDREN IN TEXAS

This report represents the first attempt to assemble existing data fro m a variety of sources regarding children less than 18 years of age in the work force in Texas. These data include the frequency of detected violations of child labor laws, reports of injuries to the Texas Work ers' Compensation Commission, and work-related deaths as ascertained f rom death certificates. More than 1,000 miners were detected as being illegally employed in Texas each year since 1986 and nearly 1,100 work -related injuries in children 18 years of age and younger were reporte d to the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission in 1991. A review of T exas death certificates from 1980 to 1990 revealed 125 work-related fa talities among children. The leading cause of death was motor vehicle injuries, followed by injuries from machinery (usually agricultural ma chinery). The magnitude and severity of occupational illnesses in work ing children are unknown. Because of physiologic differences in size, metabolism, and absorption, children may be especially susceptible to work-related injury and illness. Health and safety data on working chi ldren in Texas, as in most other places, are fragmented and incomplete . These data are needed to identify children at high risk of injuries and illnesses, to target prevention programs, and to identify areas fo r additional legislation. More rigorous enforcement of current legisla tion is also needed.