Summer Times Brings Young Workers

Before you know it, summer will be here and hopefully your organization will be hiring motivated young workers. If you are a business going to hire younger workers, you should be aware of the child labor laws that will affect your business.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has provided a lot of information for business owners to comply with child labor laws. The following information will give a short but detailed overview of child labor laws.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets wage, hours worked, and safety requirements for minors (individuals under age 18) working in jobs covered by the statute. The rules vary depending upon the particular age of the minor and the particular job involved. As a general rule, the FLSA sets 14 years of age as the minimum age for employment, and limits the number of hours worked by minors under the age of 16.

Also, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor (for example, work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment). The FLSA contains a number of requirements that apply only to particular types of jobs (for example, agricultural work or the operation of motor vehicles) and many exceptions  to the general rules (for example, work by a minor for his or her parents). Each state also has its own laws relating to employment, including the employment of minors. If state law and the FLSA overlap, the law which is more protective of the minor will apply.

Posting requirements: Nonagricultural employers must also post the Labor Department-issued Minimum Wage Poster listing minimum age requirements in a prominent place at the worksite.

Summer time brings lots of young workers into the workplace. With summer bringing a lot of young workers into the workforce, business should be knowledgeable of child labor laws that affect their industry. Business need to understand what federal and state child labor laws they must adhere to. Complying with these laws and regulations will educate and help business owners prevent possible fines and lawsuits.

Child labor laws vary from state to state. Please consult your state department of labor for this information.

All states have their own youth employment provisions. When federal and state laws differ, the higher standard applies.