How to Learn the Youth Employment Laws in Your State

When my oldest son got his first "real" job at a local restaurant, one that came with a weekly paycheck and even some job perks (free meals), he felt proud of himself. We were proud of him, too, and of the benefits that came along with that job. He was able to save for college and felt more independent. He also learned valuable work skills and how to be part of a team of employees.

What we didn't foresee, however, were the workplace hazards that he'd encounter, from slippery floors to dish water so dirty that he got a nasty rash on his hands while washing dishes. Once, he even a slashed hand when he didn't realize a broken dish was in the water.

He was lucky in comparison to some youth employees,though. Although employers are supposed to follow youth employment laws, they can be overlooked, just as they were when the U.S. Department of Labor fined Wal-mart $134,540 for being in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), according to the information found in the HRM (Human Resources Management) Guide here , with details of that case. As it turns out, minors were actually being ordered to perform actions prohibited by the FLSA, including using heavy equipment and doing some lifting jobs deemed unsafe for youth.

This is just one case among many that I found while researching youth employment laws. Parents and teens may not necessarily count on employers to know or understand that minors (generally under age 18) often can't do the same work as adults - not just because of their age but because the law prohibits them from engaging in certain jobs or occupations. It can be vital for parents and youth workers to be informed.

What teens and youth employees need to know about the law

First, parents and adolescents should realize that there are resources and sites where information can be found about part-time and full-time jobs for teens, including the laws applicable to them. Since the Department of Labor often helps enforce child labor laws, their site can be an important source of information for learning about the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act). In fact, simply knowing that there is a Fair Labor Standards Act can be an important first step in finding a safe, appropriate job for youth workers. Basic information can be found at the Department of Labor website here .

Bottom line: Become familiar with the Department of Labor and the Fair Labor Standards Act. If a job duty is prohibited under the FLSA, youth workers have the law on their side and should not hesitate to speak up. No job is worth risking one's life or health.

Youth employees, the law and safety - summer can be a particularly risky time

Although teens can work year round, the Department of Labor has information which indicates that employment - and risk - can increase significantly in the summer, when more teen are out of school and seeking employment. Certain jobs are more dangerous than others. Amusement parks, state fair and fast food restaurants can all have hidden dangers for the inexperienced youth worker.

Bottom line: know which jobs are likely to be more dangerous and consider looking for jobs with lower rates of work-related accidents. Ask employers about workplace safety.

Youth employees, the law and farm jobs

In some states, agricultural or farm work (which is often dangerous) can still be allowed for teens. A parental exemption can allow adolescents or minors to work on farm. Parents and teens should think carefully about this option. For a teen who has grown up on a farm, trained to work around dangerous equipment and who is used to the risks, farm work may be fine. But one of our sons attempted to work detasseling corn one summer and didn't last long in the job. While some teens stuck it out, others got sunstroke. I did wonder why there wasn't more supervision of these inexperienced teens and why no one enforced water breaks or provided other safety measures. I wondered if youth labor laws were being broken. Specific restrictions for teens 16 and under can be found here , indicating that once a teen turns 16, he or she can engage in any farm or agricultural job.
Bottom line:

be sure to understand youth employee laws, age limits and restrictions for farm jobs

Hazardous farm jobs and youth labor laws

Some jobs that are labeled "hazardous" might not be ones that automatically come to mind. For instance, while heavy machinery and certain farm equipment is off limits to teens, how many adolescents - or their parents - know that going into a stall occupied by a pig can be against the law (if that sow has recently given birth)? Working in horse stalls or pens can also be against the law, depending on whether the stall is occupied by a stud horse. Distinctions like these may seem unimportant but what is within the law for adults may be prohibited for teens.

Handling certain agricultural chemicals, working inside a grain silo and climbing a ladder over 20 feet tall may also be forbidden by youth labor laws.

Bottom line: don't assume that certain tasks are fine for teens engaged in farm or agricultural work. Be sure of the specifics.

Door to door sales and youth labor laws

Did you know that there can be strict laws about door to door sales and those ages 18 or younger? You can see that information here , leading me to suspect that certain teen who came to our home were operating outside the letter of the law, particularly some who were trying to sell firecrackers door to door!

Bottom line: in some states minors are not allowed to go door to door, selling items. They are strictly prohibited by laws. Alaska, Florida and Maine classify such sales as "hazardous occupations", according to information found on the U.S. Department of Labor website. In other states, including California and Nevada, door to door sales are prohibited, with some exceptions (newspaper delivery may be allowed in Nevada, within certain restrictions and guidelines). It is important to understand the laws of your state when it comes to door to door sales and minors seeking employment.

I was surprised by these restrictions, since many teens come to our home selling candy and other items for school fundraisers. However, in certain states there could be restrictions on these activities as well.

Job restrictions for 14 and 15 year old workers

I was definitely surprised by the restrictions placed on 14 and 15 year olds. While it made sense that they might not be allowed to drive, I didn't realize that it was against the law to help a driver, use power-driven machinery or take on public messenger jobs. They also aren't supposed to be employed in workrooms where products are mined or processed or in warehouse positions. Any mining jobs or duties are off limits to this age group and a teen involved in them would be in violation of youth labor laws.

Bottom line: mining is not allowed for 14 and 15 year old employees. Warehouse positions are considered unsafe as well.

Youth labor laws apply to job hours, not just job occupations

Perhaps because they aren't adults, teen workers may not work the same hours as adults. The rules are particularly stringent for younger teens. As a general rule, 14 and 15 year old can not work outside school hours, before 7 am or after 7 pm (farm jobs may be an exception). From June 1 through Labor day - traditional summer hours - they can work as late as 9 pm. State laws may vary, however. Working more than 3 hours on school days, 18 hours per week and 40 hours in non-school weeks is also forbidden for workers who are 14 and 15 years old. Once a teen reaches 16 years of age, the restrictions are lifted.

Bottom line:

understand that workplace safety and job hours can vary for 14-15 year olds and that there may be fewer restrictions for 16 year olds. Also, understand that state laws can vary.

Jobs that are particularly dangerous for teen workers

While even the safest of jobs might have unseen or rare risks, certain types of work carries higher risks. Parents and teens need to be familiar with these types of jobs because teens might be hired for them by an unwary employer - or one willing to skirt the law. Examples of hazardous jobs include those where teens work in meat coolers and freezers, load products on or off trucks or train cars, meat processing, repairing machinery, working with meat or food slicers and more.

Bottom line:

some jobs are simply risky. While they are also dangerous for adults, they are even more so for teens.

State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Agricultural Employment

Chart displaying major rules pertaining to minors employed in agriculture.

Occupations in Agriculture Particularly Hazardous for the Employment of Children Below Age 16

Regulations on hazardous occupations.