Kids Employment Laws in Oregon (13-, 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-Year-Olds)

Federal and state laws in Oregon have specific regulations in place to protect the rights and well-being of minors in the workforce. These laws, commonly known as child labor laws, outline the employment restrictions and work conditions for minors aged 13 to 17. Understanding these laws is crucial for both employers and young workers to ensure compliance and promote a safe and fair working environment.

Oregon child labor laws cover a wide range of areas, including hazardous occupations, work restrictions, employment certificates, working hours, and conditions. These laws aim to safeguard the health, education, and overall welfare of minors, ensuring their protection while allowing them to gain valuable work experience.

Parents, employers, and young workers should familiarize themselves with the following key takeaways to ensure compliance with the Kids Employment Laws in Oregon:

Key Takeaways:

• Under Oregon law, minors under the age of 18, including those in agricultural employment, are subject to work restrictions outlined by both federal and state regulations.
• Minors aged 14 and 15 face additional restrictions that prohibit them from engaging in certain hazardous occupations.
• Employers in Oregon must obtain an annual employment certificate from the Child Labor Unit of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) to employ minors.
• The working hours for minors in Oregon vary depending on their age, with additional limitations on working during school hours and school breaks.
• It is important for employers and minors to comply with these laws to ensure the safety and well-being of young workers in Oregon.

By understanding and adhering to the Kids Employment Laws in Oregon, employers and young workers can create a positive working environment that prioritizes safety, education, and the rights of minors.

Employment Restrictions for Minors in Oregon

When it comes to employment, Oregon has specific restrictions in place to protect the well-being of minors. These employment restrictions ensure that young workers are not exposed to hazardous conditions or tasks that may endanger their health or safety. In this section, we’ll explore the key employment restrictions for minors in Oregon, providing important information for both employers and young workers.

Minors Under 14: Special Applications Required

Minors under the age of 14 are subject to stricter employment regulations in Oregon. In order to work, they must first obtain a special application approved by the Child Labor Unit of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). This ensures that any work undertaken by minors of this age is carefully considered and supervised to protect their well-being.

Ages 16 and 17: Prohibited High-Risk Jobs and Equipment

For minors aged 16 and 17, while employment is generally allowed, there are certain restrictions in place. These young workers are prohibited from taking on high-risk jobs such as roofing, logging, and messenger services. Additionally, they are restricted from operating heavy machinery, power equipment, and vehicles. These measures are put in place to safeguard their health and safety, recognizing their age and level of experience.

Ages 14 and 15: Additional Restrictions on Employment

Minors aged 14 and 15 face additional employment restrictions in Oregon. They are not permitted to work in breweries, wineries, cold storage plants, or grain elevators. Furthermore, selling door-to-door is also prohibited for individuals in this age group. To ensure their well-being, these young workers are limited in the type of work they can engage in, particularly roles involving power-driven machinery.

It is crucial for both employers and minors to be aware of these employment restrictions in Oregon. By adhering to these regulations, employers can create safe work environments for young workers, and minors can develop their skills and gain valuable experience within appropriate boundaries.

Obtaining Employment Certificates in Oregon

To employ a minor in Oregon, employers must obtain a single annual employment certificate from the Child Labor Unit of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). This certificate shows that the employment complies with the law.

Employers must verify the age of the minors they hire using appropriate proof of age documents such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport. The employment certificate must be posted in a conspicuous place, and employers must maintain a list of all minors hired.

If there are any changes to the work duties of minors, employers must fill out a Notice of Change in Duties form and send it to the Child Labor Unit for approval. Employers are also required to renew their employment certificates annually.

Application Process

The application process for an employment certificate involves the following steps:

1. Download the BOLI employment certificate application from the official website.
2. Complete all required fields in the application form.
3. Gather the necessary proof of age documents.
4. Submit the application, along with the proof of age documents, to the Child Labor Unit.
5. Pay any applicable fees.
6. Wait for the certificate to be processed and approved by the Child Labor Unit.

Renewal Process

To renew an employment certificate, employers must follow these steps:

1. Download the BOLI employment certificate renewal form from the official website.
2. Complete all required fields in the renewal form.
3. Submit the renewal form to the Child Labor Unit.
4. Pay any applicable renewal fees.
5. Wait for the renewed certificate to be processed and approved by the Child Labor Unit.

It is important for employers to comply with these requirements and procedures to ensure that they are legally employing minors in Oregon. Failure to obtain or renew the employment certificate can result in penalties and legal consequences.

Working Hours and Conditions for Minors in Oregon

In Oregon, the working hours and conditions for minors vary depending on their age. It’s important for both employers and young workers to understand these regulations to ensure compliance and protect the well-being of minors in the workforce.

Working Hours for Minors

For minors aged 14 and 15, there are specific limitations on working hours. On school days, they can work up to three hours per day, while on non-school days, they can work up to eight hours per day. The maximum weekly working hours for minors in this age group is 18 hours.

During school breaks and summer vacation, minors aged 14 and 15 can work up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

In contrast, minors aged 16 and 17 have no daily restrictions on working hours. They can work up to 44 hours per week, assuming they meet the other requirements set forth by Oregon labor laws.

Breaks and Meal Periods for Minors

Oregon law mandates that minors receive meal periods and breaks during their shifts:

• Minors aged 14 and 15 are entitled to a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period when working six or more consecutive hours. They must also receive a 10-minute break for every four hours of work or major portion thereof.
• Minors aged 16 and 17 are entitled to a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period when working six or more consecutive hours, and a 10-minute break for every four hours of work or major portion thereof.

Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay for Minors

Minors in Oregon must be paid at least the state minimum wage, which is $12.00 per hour as of July 1, 2022. However, there are exceptions for certain industries and situations, so it’s important to consult the specific labor laws or reach out to Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) for more information.

Regarding overtime pay, minors in Oregon are generally entitled to receive overtime compensation for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week. The overtime rate is calculated at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate.

Understanding and adhering to these regulations ensures that minors working in Oregon have safe and fair employment experiences. Employers should familiarize themselves with these laws to create a positive and compliant work environment for young workers.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the kids employment laws in Oregon is crucial for both employers and minors. These laws, which are established at both the federal and state levels, aim to protect the rights and safety of young workers. Minors under the age of 18 are restricted from engaging in certain hazardous occupations, and additional restrictions apply to minors aged 14 and 15.

Employers in Oregon must obtain an annual employment certificate for hiring minors, ensuring that their employment practices align with the law. This involves verifying the age of the minors and obtaining the necessary approvals. Compliance with working hour restrictions, breaks, minimum wage requirements, and overtime pay is also essential.

By adhering to these regulations, employers can create a safe and fair work environment for young workers. Similarly, minors can have peace of mind, knowing that their rights are protected while they gain valuable work experience. It is crucial for all parties involved to familiarize themselves with these laws to ensure full compliance and promote the well-being of Oregon’s young workforce.