Child Labor

Federal child labor law generally prohibits the employment of minors in nonagricultural occupations under the age of 14, restricts the hours and types of work that minors can perform under 16, and prohibits the employment of minors under the age of 18 in any hazardous occupation. Different child labor law standards apply to agricultural employment. Young workers have rights in the workplace, as outlined in OSHA’s videos in English and Spanish.

Detailed information on federal and state child labor laws is available on the following websites:

• YouthRules.gov

• OSHA’s Young Workers Website

Worker

Learn about filing a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Worker resources

• Basic Information on Federal Wage Laws from WHD

• OSHA Resources on Worker Rights

• OSHA Worker Rights Booklet

• OSHA Video on Workers’ Safety and Health Rights on the Job

• Video de OSHA sobre Derechos de los Trabajadores

• Video de OSHA sobre Ningún Pago le Vale la Vida

Employer

Learn about OSHA

Employer resources

• elaws Youth Employment Advisors

• OSHA Help for Employers

• OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program

Questions? We’re here to help.

We are committed to helping you understand your rights as a worker. Many questions about wage rights for workers and safety and health responsibilities for employers, may be answered by using the following elaws (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses) Advisor:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Child Labor Rules Advisor

For additional assistance, please contact:

• OSHA at 1-800-321-6742

• Your local OSHA office

OSHA’s area offices provide advice, education, and assistance to businesses and organizations who request help with occupational safety and health issues. In addition, OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential safety and occupational health advice. No citations or penalties are issued; the employer’s only obligation is to correct identified hazards.

Please note that the mining industry has its own set of safety and health standards, rules, and regulations, which are overseen by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Mining industry employers should contact MSHA at 202-693-9400 or AskMSHA@dol.gov.

All discussions between OSHA and employees or their representatives are free and confidential. Safety and health complaints from employees or their representatives are taken seriously by OSHA, and OSHA will keep their information confidential.

Additional resources

• Overview of Child Labor

• Youth Rules!

• State Child Labor Laws

• Prohibited Occupations for Child Labor (Nonagricultural Work)

• Prohibited Occupations for Child Labor (Agricultural Work)

Need more information?

The elaws (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses) Advisors are a set of online tools developed by the U.S. Department of Labor to help employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under federal employment laws.