Virginia Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on Virginia 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.
Virginia Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to Virginia 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, or 12 with parental consent.Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Virginia
No employment certificate is required for minors working in agriculture under Virginia laws. Age certification is required for minors working in agriculture who are under the age of 18 (must be provided on request).Virginia Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
Virginia law does not specify any limitations on maximum working hours for minors under 16 who are engaged in agricultural work.
Virginia 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
Virginia does not specify any time windows in which minors under 16 are prohibited to work.
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Virginia has several specific hazardous occupations for workers 18 and under, as well as a few for workers 16 and under. Generally, hazardous occupations for employees 16 and under are the same as Federal list of hazardous occupations,
Children 16 and under may operate, assist in operating, or otherwise perform work involving a truck, excluding a tractor trailer, or farm vehicle.
Children 14 and under may perform work as a helper on a truck or commercial vehicle, while engaged in such work exclusively on a farm.
Other Virginia Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Virginia law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Virginia child labor laws.
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