Child Labor

The child labor laws are designed to protect the health and welfare of workers who are under 16 years of age. The law establishes minimum wage, overtime pay and working standards. It also is designed to protect the educational opportunities of minors, in part, by restricting the hours they may work when school is in session.

My child is 15; can she work 30 hours a week for a local merchant when school is in session?

No. The maximum she could be employed under the federal child labor laws is 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week. In addition, she cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. When school is not in session, she could work a maximum of 8 hours per day and up to 40 hours per week. During the summer, work may continue until 9:00 p.m.

I want to employ a 17-year-old neighbor to work with me as a roofer for the summer. Is this permissible?

No. In general, the federal child labor provisions prohibit those under 18 from working in or with the following:

• liquor
• hazardous materials, such as chemicals, explosives or substances under pressure
• hazardous operations, such as logging, lumber, construction and mining
• transportation, such as driving boats, buses or cabs
• machinery, such as power-driven, erecting, dismantling, lift or hoisting equipment

Check with your local Department of Labor to see if any additional restrictions exist within your state.