What Are The Employment Laws For A Child
What are the child labor laws in the United States?
Federal child labor law generally prohibits the employment of minors in nonagricultural occupations under the age of 14, restricts the hours and types of work that can be performed by minors under 16, and prohibits the employment of minors under the age of 18 in any hazardous occupation.
What Are The Employment Laws For A Child?
Child labor laws are an important tool for protecting the safety and wellbeing of children and preventing exploitation. They are designed to ensure that a child’s physical, emotional, and educational development is not harmed by work. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 sets a minimum age of 14 for any child to work in a non-agricultural job and stipulates certain limitations for those between 14 and 16.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides guidance on the conditions of labor for minors to employers and the general public. This guidance provides the rules employers must follow, including the legal age and hours minors can work, workplace safety standards, and the types of work minors can perform.
Children under the age of 14 are generally restricted from working. In certain instances, however, children aged 12 and 13 may be able to obtain a permit to work in certain jobs. However, they must ensure they do not endanger their health and safety.
In the state of Idaho, children between 12 and 14 can work, but they must have a work permit and certifying documents from their school and parent or guardian. They must also work a maximum of three hours a day and 18 hours a week, and their jobs may not interfere with their school attendance.
The hours of work for those under 16 should be restricted taking into account local state regulations. Most states do not allow those 14 and 15 to work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week, and no more than 3 hours on a school day. Further, light work must be limited to no more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week, and it is illegal for those aged 16 to 17 to work before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
It’s essential to ensure that any employer observing child labor laws implement them correctly. They should also be aware that their business may be subject to state inspections to ensure the safety of their employees.
When hiring a minor, employers should ensure they understand the applicable labor laws, such as minimum age requirements, the number of hours minors can work, restrictions on hazardous jobs, and the rules for separating minors from adult workers. They should also take appropriate measures to confirm the age of those under the age of 18 to ensure the employment adheres to the child labor laws.
Child labor laws were created to protect the health and safety of minors in the workplace and to maintain their right to receive a quality education. It’s essential that employers researching the current labor laws related to children and ensure they are abiding by them.
