Missouri Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on Missouri 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.
Missouri Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to Missouri 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.Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Missouri
An employment certificate is required by Missouri state law for minors working in agriculture under the age of 16 during school term. Age certification is required for minors working in agriculture who are under the age of 18 (must be provided on request).Missouri Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
During a non-school period 8 hours can be worked a day and 40 hours per week. During a schoolday, a maximum of 3 hours per day may be worked.
Missouri 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 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 through Labor Day) to 7 a.m.
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Missouri has no specific agriculture hazardous occupations. Those of general application for workers under 16 are considered as covering agriculture where applicable (such as working with power-driven machinery, ladders, toxic or hazardous chemicals).
Other Missouri Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Missouri law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Missouri child labor laws.
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