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The Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA) sets 14 years of age as the minimum age for
employment, but restricts hours of work and allowable occupations for 14- and
15-year-olds. Rules and prohibited jobs vary depending on the age of the youth
worker and his or her occupation.
Hazardous work. The FLSA prohibits
minors under age 18 years old to work in any occupation that it deems to be
hazardous. Among these occupations are excavation, manufacturing explosives,
mining, and operating many types of power-driven equipment. Certain industries
allow minors under age 18 to perform certain tasks at worksites whose primary
work activity is dangerous, but these tasks are very specific and the state and
federal government closely monitor compliance.
Different age requirements apply to the
employment of minors in agriculture.
Minors under age 16 may not engage in occupations involving the operation of
corn pickers, grain combines, and power post-hole diggers, and other types of
farm equipment.
Posting requirements.
Nonagricultural employers must also post the Labor Department-issued Minimum
Wage Poster listing minimum age requirements in a prominent place at
the worksite.
Child labor laws vary from state to state. Please consult your
state department of labor for this information.
DOL Web Pages on This
Topic
What Is the Youngest Age At
Which A Person Can Be Employed? Information about age requirements for
employment.
elaws Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor Child Labor Rules This Advisor
answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's
child labor rules.
Requirements and
Exceptions for Minors Employed as Drivers Specific guidance on what
roles a minor employee can take on while driving a motor vehicle on public
roadways. This notice lists other exemptions to the motor vehicle driving
rule.
Application of
Federal Child Labor Provisions to Grocery Stores Fact Sheet Specific
direction on what jobs minor employees of certain ages may perform while
employed by grocery stores.
Application of
Federal Child Labor Provisions to Amusement Parks and Recreation Establishments
Fact Sheet Specific information about what jobs minor employees of
certain ages may perform while employed by amusement parks. Prohibited jobs
include driving a motor vehicle or working as an outside helper on a public
road.
State Labor
Offices/State Laws Information on state minimum wage rates and other
state child labor topics.
State Departments of Labor
Web Sites Links to state departments of labor Web sites and contact
information for each department.
Laws & Regulations on This
Topic
Regulations
29 CFR
§516.2 Required Recordkeeping Items
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