The safety of young workers is of paramount importance to the Department of Labor. In recent years, the Department has increased its efforts to educate both employers and teenage workers about on-the-job safety. Youth employment increases significantly during the summer, so many of these efforts are geared toward minors who work at amusement parks and fast food restaurants. Below is a list of resources for employers of minors and for minors themselves. Both groups have a vested interest in educating themselves on workplace safety.
The Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces workplace safety laws.
The Department maintains partnerships with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the National Consumer's League designed to provide important information about on-the-job safety to employers, parents, and working teens.
Many states have workplace safety rules that go beyond the Fair Labor Standards Act requirements. Please consult your state department of labor for more specific information.
Webpages on this Topic
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor Child Labor Rules
Answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's child labor rules.
Application of the 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 and 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.
Child Labor Laws Affecting the Driving of Automobiles and Trucks Under Hazardous Occupations (Order No. 2)
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 child labor rules affecting the driving of automobiles and trucks.
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
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Federal institute responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries.
- Young Worker Safety and Health
A one-stop shop for teen worker safety from NIOSH.
Regulations on this Topic
29 CFR §§570.70 through 570.71 - Hazardous Farm Work Regulation
29 CFR §570.119 - Fourteen-year Minimum Age for Certain Occupations
29 CFR §§579.1 through 579.9 - Minimum Age Standards for Non-Hazardous Employment