The Fair Labor Standards Act (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.
Child labor laws vary from state to state. Regulations provide very specific information on these occupations and other safety standards for minor employees. Please consult your state department of labor for this information.
Webpages on this Topic
Occupations Deemed Hazardous for the Employment of Minors Between 16 & 18 Years of Age or Detrimental to Their Health or Well-Being
Regulations on hazardous occupations.
Occupations in Agriculture Deemed Hazardous for the Employment of Children Below Age 16 Years
Regulations on hazardous occupations.
Employment of Minors Between 14 and 16 Years of Age (Child Labor Reg. 3)
Regulations on hazardous occupations.
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 & Recreation Establishments Fact Sheet
Specific direction on 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.
Requirements & Exceptions for Minors Employed as Drivers
No employee under 17 years of age may drive on public roadways as part of his or her job if that employment is subject to the FLSA, unless the driver has a special state-issued license and if the driving is done during normal daylight hours only. This notice lists the other exemptions to this rule.
State Labor Offices/State Laws
Information on state minimum wage rates and other state child labor topics.
State Departments of Labor Websites
Links to state departments of labor websites and contact information for each department.
Related Webpages on this Topic
The Department maintains partnerships with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics designed to provide important information about on-the-job safety to employers, parents, and working teens.
Young Worker Safety and Health
A one-stop shop for teen worker safety from NIOSH.
Regulations on this Topic
29 CFR §570.34 - Regulation on Occupations in Retail, Food Service, and Gasoline Establishments
29 CFR §§570.50 through 570.68 - Hazard Occupations Orders
29 CFR §§570.70 through 570.71 - Hazardous Farm Work Regulation