DALLAS – As minor-aged workers seek to make extra cash by working more hours during spring recess, their employers should take the opportunity to review federal child labor laws to avoid violations and costly penalties.

While classes are not in session, 14- and 15-year-old workers cannot work more than 8 hours per day or exceed 40 hours per workweek. In addition, employers must not allow these workers to work before 7 a.m. or past 7 p.m. Whether school is in session or not, workers under the age of 18 are banned from occupations considered hazardous by the U.S. Department of Labor.

In fiscal year 2021, the department’s Wage and Hour Division conducted 117 child labor investigations in its Southwest Region and found 382 minors employed in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Investigators found violations of federal hazardous occupation orders in more than 20 percent of cases and assessed nearly $300,000 in penalties.

In FY21, violations put minor-aged workers at risk in various ways, including:

• Salt Lake City: After a minor received third-degree burns on the neck, arms and chest in January 2021, their employer was found to have allowed minor-aged workers to operate a deep fryer, commercial dough mixer, tortilla maker and microwave oven – all hazardous or prohibited occupations. The restaurant also allowed two 15-year-olds to work past 7 p.m., more than 3 hours on a school day, and more than 18 hours in a school week. The division assessed $24,568 in penalties.
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