As summer approaches, many young people will be looking for summer job opportunities in small businesses and with these young and eager workers comes a set of rules that many employers may not familiar with.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets rules for what kinds of jobs and hours minors of different ages can perform.
Under 14 Employment is prohibited except for things like newspaper delivery, babysitting and minor chores in a private home.
14 and 15 Can work in office, grocery and retail stores, restaurant, movie theaters or amusement park. However, they cannot perform or work in or around hazardous situation such as construction or repair, manufacturing or working on a ladder.
During the summer 14 and 15 year olds can work between 7am and 9pm for a total of up to 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
16 and 17 Generally there are no restriction on this age group other than they cannot perform or work in or around hazardous situation such as construction or repair, manufacturing or working on a ladder.
Keep in mind that these are federal rules for employment of minors and there may be additional considerations or restrictions depending on the state that you are in. Check with your state or the US Department of Labor for more information and check with your insurance agent to see if you need Workers Compensation.
