Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

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BIRMINGHAM, ALA. -- The U.S. Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division has assessed $9,350 in civil money penalties against Diaz Roofing Company for employing a 17-year-old as a roofer’s helper in violation of the youth employment provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

On Dec. 3, 2004, the young employee was working on a 26-foot high roof when he slipped and fell to the ground, severely injuring his back and foot.

“Roofing work is hazardous --- too hazardous for workers under the age of 18,” said Oliver Peebles, III, Wage and Hour’s assistant district director in Birmingham. “Employers in the construction industry need to check birth dates of young employees to ensure their safety and avoid the consequences of violating youth employment laws.”

Peebles added that recent changes to youth employment laws now prohibit workers under the age of 18 from performing any roofing activities, on the roof or on the ground, including carrying roofing materials, painting, carpentry work or installing antennas.

Roofing operations are one of over a dozen industries or occupations deemed by the Secretary of Labor to be too hazardous for workers under the age of 18. The FLSA’s hazardous duty orders identify these jobs and industries. Young workers, for example, are prohibited from operating forklifts, power-driven circular saws and hoisting apparatus.

The Labor Department’s YouthRules! web site, www.youthrules.dol.gov, is available for employers, young workers and parents to learn about youth employment, the jobs they may perform and the hours they may work.

For further information about other requirements of the FLSA, call the department’s toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243), visit the department’s web site at www.wagehour.dol.gov, or contact the Birmingham district office at 955 22nd St. N., Suite 656; phone: (205) 731-1305.

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