Iowa Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on Iowa 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.
(law exempts part-time work in agriculture (less than 20
hours a week) It covers migratory labor under age 16.
Law exempts work in the production of seed, limited to removal of
off-type plants, corn tassels and hand-pollinating during June, July and August
for children 14 and over.
Iowa Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to Iowa 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 years old, 12 for migratory labor (younger is allowed with permit from Labor Commissioner upon court order).Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Iowa
An employment certificate is required by Iowa state law for minors working in agriculture under the age of 16. No age certification is required for minors working in agriculture under Iowa laws.Iowa Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
8 hours of work per day and 40 in a week are permitted when school is not in session. Up to 4 hours of work a day and 28 in week are permitted when school is in session, with an 8-hour maximum on non-school days.
Iowa does not specify any limitations on the number of days per week that can be worked by minors under 16 who are engaged in agricultural work.
Nightwork Regulations for Minors Under 16
Nightwork is prohibited for minors under age 16 during the following time windows: 7:30 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 5 a.m. with migratory labor permit, otherwise 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) 7 a.m.)
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Iowa has no specific agricultural hazardous occupations. Those of general application for workers under 18 and under 16 are considered as covering agricultural labor where applicable (such as power-driven hoisting apparatus for workers under 18, and power-driven machinery for workers under 16).
Other Iowa Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Iowa law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Iowa child labor laws.
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