Be aware of rules for hiring teens this summer – Technologist

If you’re offering summer jobs to teen workers, be sure you understand and comply with all state and federal employment regulations specific to the employment of minors. Generally speaking, teen worker regulations prohibit hazardous job duties, such as operating or cleaning heavy machinery, frequently driving on public roads, and working from heights. These regulations also may limit a teen’s hours of work, direct longer rest breaks or more frequent meal periods, or require you to obtain a permit before you hire someone under the age of 18. Failure to follow these regulations could result in significant penalties or even jail time.

Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries Imposes Significant Fines for Youth Labor Violations
Earlier this year, Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) assessed fines of over $150,000 against a construction company after a 16-year-old operating a walk-behind trencher was dragged underneath and had to have both legs amputated. L&I also assessed fines of over $22,000 against a trampoline park that didn’t give meal breaks to teens and scheduled them to work more hours than permitted during a school week.

Tennessee Manufacturer’s Role in Child Labor Violations: Staffing Company Oversight
It’s not just your own hiring decisions you need to worry about—you’re also responsible for workers sent to you by a staffing company. A Tennessee parts manufacturer made national news when OSHA found it was employing 10 underage workers (some as young as 14) to operate dangerous machinery. The company said the workers showed fake documents to get hired by a staffing agency, which then sent them to the manufacturing plant. The company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $296,951 and to set aside $1.5 million (representing 30 days’ profits related to its use of child labor) for the benefit of the underage workers.

Tips: Before hiring teens, review Vigilant’s Legal Guide, Child Labor Laws, and check out OSHA’s website for young workers as well as the state safety and health agency sites for teen workers in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington for guidance on specific restrictions and employer requirements. Also, make sure minors receive all appropriate training, with special attention to safety procedures and your policy against harassment. Contact your Vigilant Law Group employment attorney with any questions.