Puerto Rico Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on Puerto Rico 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.
A minor must enjoy an hour lunch break after four hours of continuous work.
Puerto Rico Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to Puerto Rico state law, the minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture during school hours is 18. The minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture outside of school hours is 14.Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Puerto Rico
An employment certificate is required by Puerto Rico state law for minors working in agriculture under the age of under the age of 18, an employment certificate will be issued authorizing the minor to work after Job Description and School Record forms are submitted to the government. Age certification is required for minors working in agriculture who are under the age of under the age of 18, an original birth certificate of the minor is required in order for the Department of Labor and Human Resources to issue a certificate authorizing the minor to work.Puerto Rico Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
If Puerto Rico's public schools are open, the total school hours and work hours cannot exceed eight hours per day.
Puerto Rico 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:
Minors between the ages of fourteen and sixteen are not allowed to work before eight in them morning or after six in the afternoon.
Minors between sixteen and eighteen years old are not able to work before six in the
morning or after ten at night.
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Minors are not allowed to work in occupations considered dangerous or injurious to their life, health, education, safety or welfare. The forbidden occupations are determined through regulations issued by the "Board for Determining the Occupations Dangerous to Minors."
Other Puerto Rico Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Puerto Rico law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Puerto Rico child labor laws.
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