[Health problems in the working occupation of young people in handicraft factories]

Abstract

The regulation of the work activity of young people (younger and apprentices) evolved in Italy - as in the others industrialized countries - in the last century. In the 1967 was promulgated the Law 977 (Protection of children and adolescent at work), still in force. To start the work activity, young people must be older than fifteen years and need to have ended the compulsory school. The most recent laws extend to the student the worker's rights. Many studies are conducted on the populations of apprentices - a sort of "virgin" subjects respect to work hazards - with the aim of early identify the subjects susceptible to develop, in future, illness related to work. In particular, many studies show an increased percentage in sensitization to high weight proteins, present in many working process, during the apprenticeship period. The practical stage activity, mainly necessary in the technical schools, can hide various hazards for the health of young students. The student must be followed by two different tutors, tightly collaborating together, one of the school and the other of the company where the work activity is done. The health status of the student could be evaluated before starting an hazardous work.