The Department of Labor (DOL) recently updated its regulations regarding child labor in the U.S.—calling them "the most ambitious and far-reaching revisions" in the past 30 years—and these new regs are set to go into effect this coming Monday, July 19, 2010.
The updated regulations effect a variety of changes to how DOL will interpret the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Perhaps the most significant among these changes is the lifting of a decades-old restriction that limited the industries in which 14- and 15-year-olds were permitted to work.
Now, instead of being allowed to work only in retail, food service and gasoline service establishments, young workers may work in other environments such as state and local governments, banks, insurance companies, advertising agencies and information technology firms.
The new regs also increase penalties for violations, especially regarding the injury of death of a teenage worker, and create a new work-study regimen.
Child labor laws and regulations are covered briefly in the mandatory federal minimum wage poster, which is included on all Personnel Concepts Space Saver-1 All-On-One State and Federal Labor Law Posters.
Personnel Concepts is closely monitoring developments at the DOL regarding the minimum wage panel and will alert clients when and if any posting requirements change.
The most ridiculous regulation and an unemployment nightmare is the restriction on minors 16 and 17 in long term care. Restrictions on these groups in the use of mechanical lifts for patients? Seriously? I just had 3 of my best staff LAID OFF due to their inability to transfer patients. Aides who started almost 2 years ago and are soon 18! Seriously? Teens and cars are more dangerous!