Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

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DETROIT -- High schools and junior high schools throughout the state are receiving information this week from the U.S. Department of Labor about state and federal work rules designed to keep teens safe at work and productive at school, according to Labor Department Wage and Hour Division District Director James Smith, Detroit, who leads the federal agency's efforts to enforce child labor laws in the state.

"Every year we hear of young workers becoming injured because they're performing work that is prohibited for them," Smith explained, "and we've found that the one of the best ways to prevent injuries is to alert school principals to the laws and protections afforded their students."

Smith also noted that federal child labor laws regulate the number of hours persons under sixteen years of age are allowed to work and the times during which they can be employed. "The intent is to give our kids their best shot at preparing for their futures by balancing school with safe and appropriate work experiences."

Smith's office is distributing materials to principals all across the state which explain state and federal youth employment rules and information on approving work permits, required by the state and issued by the schools. Smith is also suggesting that parents, employers, students and school administrators visit the U.S. Labor Department website www.youthrules.dol.gov for a more complete story on the importance of child labor standards and other information of interest to today's young workers.

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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.