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| Governmental Regulations |
| New Child Labor Standards Now in Effect |
February 14, 2005 marks the deadline for implementing changes to employment rules for youth. Mandated by the Department of Labor, these rules expand protections for youth workers, particularly those with responsibilities related to restaurant cooking, roofing, and driving.
You can access detailed information, including fact sheets and compliance quizzes from the Department of Labor’s Website, www.youthrules.dol.gov/ . Here are some of the highlights:
- 14 and 15-year-olds are prohibited from performing any baking activities. These minors can operate microwave ovens as long as the ovens are used only to warm prepared food. They can also use, dispense, and serve food from warmers, steam tables, and other warming devices.
- Youth under age 18, who were previously prohibited from working in roofing occupations, are now prohibited from working in any occupation related to roofing, including work on or about a roof, and work performed in close proximity to a roof.
- The new rules include a statutory amendment related to youth operating and unloading certain waste-material baling and compacting equipment.
- A second statutory amendment clarifies and limits on-the-job driving duties for 17-year-olds. (Employees 16-years-old and younger may not drive under any circumstances).
Be aware that state laws may be even stricter than these federal laws. Consult the Department of Labor at 1-866-4US-WAGE if you have questions.
The www.youthrules.dol.gov/ website also includes valuable employer information regarding what hours and what jobs teens can work, and ideas for preventing workplace injuries to young workers.
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