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What's the scoop on working before 18?
At 13 or younger, you can:
  • act or perform
  • babysit
  • deliver newspapers
When 14 or 15, you can work in a:
  • amusement park  •  office
  • gas station  •  restaurant
  • movie theatre  •  retail store
  • 3 hours on a school day
  • 8 hours on a non-school day
  • 18 hours during a school week
  • 40 hours during a non-school week
You cannot work:
  • during school hours
  • before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
    (9 p.m. between June 1 to Labor Day)
When 16 or 17, you can:
  • work any hours
  • work in any job that is not hazardous
You cannot work in:
  • demolition  •  meatpacking
  • excavation  •  mining
  • logging  •  roofing
You cannot work with:
  • explosives  •  saws
  • radioactive materials
  • certain power-driven machines; or
  • operate a forklift
Most driving is prohibited.

At 18, these job restrictions no longer apply

Youth Rules! U.S. Department of Labor
Wage and Hour Division
www.Youthrules.dol.gov
 866-4US-Wage
(TTY) 877-889-5627

Different rules apply to farms, and State laws my be stricter.


Be wise, stay safe and healthy at work.
Headset

Your employer keeps you safe by:
  • Identifying job hazards.
  • Insisting on safe work practices.
  • Training all employees.
  • Protecting you from unsafe jobs.
  • Complying with all youth employment and occupational safety and health laws.
Common job hazards include:
  • Elevated work areas.
  • Chemicals.
  • Motor vehicles.
  • Heavy, bulky objects.
  • Sharp equipment or tools.
  • Wet, slippery or cluttered walking/working areas.
  • Machinery, electrical equipment.
  • Hot or cold working areas.
  • Loud noises.
Work safely by:
  • Knowing your workplace rights.
  • Talking with your parents.
  • Talking to the boss about the job.
  • Following safety rules:
    - Get job training;
    - Use personal safety equip- ment;
    - Be alert to people and things;
    - Follow safe job practices;
    - Do not rush or take shortcuts;
    - Stay sober and drug-free;
    - Ask questions;
    - Report unsafe conditions.

OSHA
Occupational Safety
and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html
 (800) 321-OSHA
(TTY) 877-889-5627

OSHA standards apply to all employees regardless of age. Comply with all youth
employment laws.

OSHA 3330-03N-07


This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.

For more complete information:
OSHA Occupational
Safety and Health
Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA

OSHA Bookmark
 
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 Page last updated: 10/18/2007