The HSAWT program is a joint program of the University of Washington Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries that began in 1997 in response to the federal School to Work Opportunities Act. In the area of teen workers, the Labor & Industries Employment Standards Program has concentrated on employer outreach, rule enforcement of child labor, injury prevention, and related issues. The HSAWT program at the University of Washington focuses on curriculum development and outreach to schools, teachers, and high school students.

We are the only program in Washington State that offers age appropriate workplace health and safety training materials targeting teens. The program reaches teachers and students from school districts across Washington State as well as youth employment service providers not affiliated with school districts.

The program is entirely funded by grants. Current and past funding sources have included the Washington State Medical Aid and Accident Fund (Dept of Labor & Industries), Safety and Health Investment Projects (Dept of Labor & Industries), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).