Proposed Revisions to Child Labor Laws

The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed revisions to child labor laws regarding agricultural and certain non-agricultural jobs. The revisions would increase regulations on the work teenagers could do. The following are a few of the regulations that would be set forth for farmworkers under 16:

•       Prohibits participation in the cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco.
•       Prohibits use of electronic devices, including communication, devices while operating power-driven equipment
•      Prohibits operation of power-driven equipment, with the exception of certain implements and tractors equipped with rollover protection and seat belts under specified conditions
•       Prohibits working with intact, male livestock older than 6 months; a sow with suckling pigs; or cow with a newborn calf
•       Prohibits participation in animal husbandry practices
•       Prohibits working at an elevation of higher than 6 feet.

The revisions will also prohibit employment in country grain elevators, grain bins, silos, feed lots, stockyards, livestock exchanges, and livestock auctions to those under 18.

These regulations only apply to farmworkers under age 16 who are being paid for their work. Underage farmworkers whose parents own the farm they are working on are excluded from these regulations.

A complete list of proposed changes can be found on the US Department of Labor’s website.

Let the department know what you think of this proposal by submitting your comments at www.regulations.gov.  Search 1235-AA06. Submission closes Thursday, December 1.