A newspaper carrier making deliveries on her bicycle was killed when an automobile struck her.

The girl worked for a small newspaper as an “independent contractor” rather than as an employee. Work permits or parental consent were not required. The company published information on how to deal with dogs and strangers, and issued bags with reflective straps. But it had no safety rules, procedures, or information system, and there was no carrier safety officer.

On the day of the incident, the girl was wearing a reflective vest, but no helmet. Emerging from a steep driveway on her bicycle, she was struck and dragged by a Jeep. Paramedics responded, but the girl was pronounced dead. The Jeep driver claimed he didn’t know how fast he was going, but it took 90 feet (almost 30 meters) for him to stop. The girl was 12 years old.

• Young workers are everywhere. Watch out for them, and watch your speed.
• If your children work, know what they do and what the risks are. Don’t assume the company will put your child’s safety first.
• Up to 85 percent of head injuries could have been prevented had a helmet been worn. Make sure your child wears one.
• When you hire young workers, think safety. If this company had had a PPE and traffic safety program in place, this girl might have lived.

Source: Massachusetts Fatality Assessment and Control Program (FACE) Program, Case Report 94MA016