Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

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SEATTLE -- Lake Wilderness Golf Course in Maple Valley, Wash., has been assessed $9,350 in civil money penalties by the U.S. Department of Labor for violations of the youth employment provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

An investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division found that a 17-year-old cook was injured while operating a meat slicer, a violation of one of the hazardous occupations orders issued under federal regulations. While attempting to wipe cheese from the slicer, the minor cut three fingers.

The FLSA sets standards on the hours of work, times of day and occupations for 14- and 15-year-olds. The law also restricts 16- and 17-year-olds from working in occupations which are too dangerous for minors. For example, jobs that require operating paper balers, meat slicers, dough mixers and wood working machines, as well as most driving jobs, are designated as too dangerous for workers under age 18.

In May 2002, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao launched YouthRules!, a public awareness campaign to educate young workers, parents and employers about the jobs that young people can do and hours they can work. Information about the campaign and the youth employment provisions are available on the Internet at www.youthrules.dol.gov. For additional information about the other FLSA provisions, call the Seattle Wage and Hour Office at 206-398-8039 or the department’s toll-free help line at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243). Information is also available at www.wagehour.dol.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7828 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.