The Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) is reminding Hoosier employers, parents, minors, and school administrators that the United States Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) has updated many definitions of Prohibited and Hazardous Occupations for teen workers. These changes are defined in the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

While some additions to the Prohibited and Hazardous Occupa-tions were made in the 1990s, including the addition of driving restrictions for teens, the recent changes now reflect updated technology and situations otherwise not covered by the nearly 30-year old Child Labor regulations.

The IDOL’s Bureau of Child Labor enforces the restrictions on Prohibited and Hazardous Occupa-tions as defined by the Secretary of the U.S. DOL.

Some of the new definitions include making it illegal for 14 or 15 year-olds to participate in peddling or holding signs, waving banners or wearing costumes to advertise a business when not directly in front of their employer’s business establishment. The duties for 15-year-old lifeguards are precisely defined, a new classification for forest firefighting has been added for 16- and 17-year-olds, and the definitions of powered equipment for all minors have been detailed.

To provide information and guidance on these changes, the Indiana Bureau of Child Labor has a webpage entitled “Prohibited and Hazardous Occupations.” The webpage details the occupations prohibited for 14- and 15-year olds and those restricted for 16- and 17-year-old because of hazards. The website is www.in.gov/dol/childlabor.htm

For clarification on the changes to the federal FLSA and the Prohibited and Hazardous Occupations, please contact the U.S. DOL’s Indianapolis office at (317) 226-6801. For questions concerning the interpretation of Indiana Child Labor laws review the Frequently Asked Questions online at www.in.gov/dol/2398.htm

 or contact the Indiana Bureau of Child Labor by e-mail at childlabor@dol.in.gov

Posted 6/25/2010