District of Columbia Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on District of Columbia and Federal levels have special provisions that apply to minors working in the agricultural industry, including working as farm hands, harvesting fruit or vegetables, etc. In many states, agricultural child labor laws focus on safety and tend to be less restrictive in terms of working hours than general child labor regulations.
In most cases, agricultural child labor laws do not apply to children working on their family's farm. Many traditionally agricultural states have less restrictive child labor laws in this area.
There are three different types of permits: work, vacation, and theatrical. A permit is needed for all employment unless the minor is "employed" outside of school hours in irregular or casual work at the home of the employer, as long as it is not in connection with a business, trade, profession, or occupation of the employer.
District of Columbia Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to District of Columbia state law, the minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture during school hours is 16. The minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture outside of school hours is 14, or 12 with written parental consent or on farm where parent is employed.Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in District of Columbia
An employment certificate is required by District of Columbia state law for minors working in agriculture under the age of 1. Age certification is required for minors working in agriculture who are under the age of 1.District of Columbia Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
No more than 48 hours a week, and no more than eight hours any day
District of Columbia specifies the following as the maximum days per week in which a minor under 16 can perform agricultural work: 6
Nightwork Regulations for Minors Under 16
Nightwork is prohibited for minors under age 16 during the following time windows: 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (except that during the summer, June 1st through Labor Day, a minor under 16 is permitted to work until 9:00 p.m.)
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Employees under the age of 18 are forbidden to work in any occupation that is dangerous or prejudicial to the life, health, safety, or welfare of such minor. They are specifically prohibited from operating any freight or nonautomatic elevator or from working in a quarry, tunnel, or in excavation.
Minors under 16 may not work at jobs operating electrically powered machinery, or in oiling, wiping, or assisting with cleaning machinery (unless they are in a vocational education or training program approved by the District of Columbia Board of Education).
Other District of Columbia Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, District of Columbia law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see District of Columbia child labor laws.
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