Federal Child Labor Law

The Fair Labor Standards Act specifies some provisions on child labor. These statutes provide protection to children particularly on their opportunity to study and safeguard against jobs that may be detrimental to their health and safety. The Federal Child Labor Law covers all private employers as well as federal, state and local government institutions.

There are three regulations stated in such law not to include the exceptions:

1. The minimum ages of children to be allowed in jobs that have been verified to be hazardous


2. The minimum ages to be allowed in all other jobs, which are not considered hazardous


3. The maximum number of hours a child may work

Pertaining to particularly hazardous agriculture works, the minimum age allowed was set at 16 while hazardous jobs in other industries and sectors may accept child laborers at the age of 18. Only the Congress has the power to change the requirements through law amendment.

The Secretary of Labor has the authority to issue Hazardous Occupation Orders, which enumerate occupations that are particularly hazardous for child employment.

These are some of the examples of hazardous jobs stated under the law:

1. Tractor and various machinery operations in agriculture


2. Working along with vicious animals such as bull, boar and horse


3. Driving motor vehicles


4. Handling toxic chemicals and explosives


5. Coal mining


6. Logging


7. Operating various power-driven machines


8. Manufacture of bricks


9. Wrecking and demolition jobs


10. Roof works


11. Several excavation jobs

If you or your child has been a victim of unfair child labor or any violation of the Federal Child Labor Law, consult our employment attorneys and let us defend your rights. We will make the necessary legal actions to assure the safety of your child and obtain suitable compensation against his/her employer.

We will let you understand the basics of the law and assist you in the procedures in filing proper charges against the employers. With more that a decade of providing expert legal services to our clients in California, you can be assured of quality legal advice and assistance from our competent team of employment attorneys.

Our law firm advocates children’s rights. Dial our toll free number now and together let us stop those illicit employers from endangering the health and safety of our children.