Wage and Hour Division (WHD)

Printer-Friendly Version

ESA-WHD New Release: [03/06/2000]
Contact Name: Brad Mitchell
Phone Number: Juan Solano (312) 353-6976
Release Number: V-2000-119

Lattimer's Warehouse Inc., Waynesfield, Ohio, Pays $20,500 Child Labor Penalty After Minor is Injured on the Job

WASHINGTON — Lattimer's Warehouse Inc. of Waynesfield, Ohio, has paid a $20,500 fine for federal child labor violations after a 17-year-old youth lost parts of three fingers while illegally operating a metal punch press.

The U.S. Department of Labor alleged that Lattimer's Warehouse Inc., a manufacturer of large truck gaskets, violated the child labor provisions of Fair Labor Standards Act. Three 17-year-old youths operated power-driven equipment that has been determined to be particularly hazardous for workers under 18 years of age.

"The law protects young workers by prohibiting them from performing certain jobs. These fines send a strong message to employers that the Department of Labor will not tolerate placing young workers at risk in the work place," said Richard Malloy, district director of the Wage and Hour Division in Cincinnati.

A 17-year-old youth lost parts of three fingers when his left hand was caught in a punch press. The minor lost 25 days of school because of the injury. The youth also used a circular saw to cut wood while employed by Lattimer's Warehouse Inc.

Two other 17-year-old youths worked in hazardous occupations prohibited for minors under 18 years of age. Both minors operated a fork lift and a radial arm saw. One youth also used a punch press.

Lattimer's Warehouse Inc. is at 15400 State Route 196, Waynesfield.

Under federal child labor provisions, there are 17 Hazardous Occupation Orders that specify jobs that are considered too dangerous to be performed by minors. Prohibited tasks, in addition to the operation of certain power-driven metal and woodworking machinery, include work in the mining, forestry and roofing industries, and most on-the job driving.

Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman launched the department's Safe Work/Safe Kids initiative last summer to help teens have positive and safe work experiences that complement, not compete with, the education process. The initiative focuses on enhanced enforcement, meaningful education, strong partnerships, and heightened public awareness to increase compliance with federal child labor laws. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division enforces federal child labor laws.

For more information about the child labor laws or any other provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act, please contact the nearest Wage and Hour Division Office listed in the blue pages of your telephone directory, or visit us on the Internet at www.dol.gov.

# # #

_______________

This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request. Voice phone: (312) 353-6976; TDD Message Referral Phone: 1-800-800-4571.