Child Labor Laws-Are You In Compliance?

Last week a client received a letter from a United States Department of Labor Investigator that she would be appearing at their workplace within a few days. She requested that certain information be available for her review. The amount of information, from a preparation standpoint, was somewhat overwhelming. I placed a phone call to the investigator, and was able to get a better picture as to why the infomation was requested, and what had prompted the the investigation.

It was explained to me that the investigators call, and visit, high schools, to review the work permits on file for the students who are seeking part-time employment. The investigators, upon reviewing the available information, then proceed to visit the employer’s workplace to ensure that the proper guidelines are being followed.

Don’t get caught off guard! Here are some basics.

Jobs Youths Can Perform:

13 & Younger-Babysit, deliver news papers, work as an actor/performer

14 & 15-Office work, grocery & retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters

16 & 17-Any job not declared hazardous (motor vehicles, forklifts,    roofing, excavation, working with saws,etc.)

UNDER 16

All work must be performed between 7 am and 7 pm, except June 1through Labor Day when evening hours are extended to 9 pm. They can work up to 3 hours a day/18 hours in a school week, and up to 8 hours a day/40 hours in a non-school week.

You can find additional info at www.youthrules.dol.gov