A 15-year-old working at a McDonald's location in Morristown, Tennessee suffered hot oil burns while using a deep fryer, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The incident occurred in June 2022, according to a department spokesperson.
Investigators in the Wage and Hour Division learned that the McDonald's location allowed the teen to cook fries using a deep fryer and was burned while taking out the fries, according to a news release. Such work is illegal, as it is deemed hazardous for young workers.
Although 14- and 15-year-olds can be employed in food preparation in a limited capacity, according to department provisions, they are not allowed to use a deep fryer without an automatic basket — or bake.
Faris Enterprises of TN LLC, operator of the location in question, was fined a $3,258 civil penalty for the child labor violation.
"We take our role as local employers seriously and we regret any errors that may have led to these citations," Faris Enterprises told CBS News in a statement. "The safety and well-being of our employees is, and has always been, a top priority for our organization."
The same operator was fined $882 for deducting two workers' pay during overtime workweeks to account for uniforms and cash register shortages, violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Faris had committed similar violations in the past, according to the press release.
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