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

Welcome to our guide on kids employment laws in Vermont! If you’re a parent or an employer, it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding the employment of minors in the state. Vermont has implemented strict laws to protect the rights and well-being of young workers, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment for them.

The United States Department of Labor and the Vermont Department of Labor enforce federal and state child labor laws in Vermont. These laws prohibit excessive hours of work, working in unsafe conditions, and performing dangerous occupations that may endanger the welfare of children. It’s crucial to be aware of these laws to ensure compliance and the protection of our young workforce.

Let’s dive deeper into the details of kids employment laws in Vermont, including age-specific restrictions, time and hour limitations, permitted occupations, prohibited occupations, and more. By understanding these regulations, both employers and parents can contribute to the welfare and development of the younger generation, creating a brighter future for our youth.

Key Takeaways:

• Teen labor laws in Vermont aim to protect the rights and safety of young workers.
• Children under 14 years old are generally prohibited from non-agricultural work, with a few exceptions.
• Minors aged 14 to 16 have restrictions on the type of work they can perform and their working hours.
• Minors aged 16 to 18 are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations.
• Vermont does not require employment certificates for most minors, except for certain circumstances.

Employment Certificates for Minors in Vermont

In Vermont, employment certificates, also known as work permits, are generally not required for the employment of minors unless the minor is under 16 years old and employed during school hours outside of a duly-approved educational or vocational course of study. However, it is strongly encouraged for employers to maintain a certified copy of a birth certificate for all minors under the age of 18 for their own protection. Federal law also requires employers to keep a record of the date of birth for all minors under the age of 19 if subject to federal jurisdiction.

Why Employers Should Maintain Certified Copies of Birth Certificates

Having a certified copy of a minor’s birth certificate can provide several benefits for employers:

• Verification of the minor’s age and eligibility for employment
• Compliance with federal and state labor laws
• Protection against potential legal issues
• Facilitation of record-keeping and documentation

By maintaining birth certificates, employers demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the well-being of minors in the workplace and complying with employment regulations.

“Employers have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive work environment for young employees. By keeping certified copies of birth certificates, employers can fulfill their legal obligations and protect the rights of minors.”

Vermont Minors Employment Certificate Requirements

It is important for employers to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and regulations regarding the employment of minors in Vermont to ensure compliance and provide a safe and supportive work environment.

Time and Hour Restrictions for Minors in Vermont

Minors in Vermont are subject to time and hour restrictions to ensure they have a balance between work and education, as well as to safeguard their health and well-being. The specific regulations vary depending on the age of the minor.

Fourteen and Fifteen-Year-Old Minors

Fourteen and fifteen-year-old minors in Vermont are generally not permitted to be employed during school hours. However, there are exceptions to this rule. They may participate in work experience and career exploration programs approved by the Commissioner of Labor or work in specific performance-related roles, such as actors or performers.

Additionally, these minors have restrictions on their daily and weekly hours of work. They may work a maximum of eight hours per day and 24 hours per week when school is in session. On school vacation weeks, they may work up to 40 hours per week. Minors in this age group are also limited to six days of work per week.

Sixteen to Eighteen-Year-Old Minors in Manufacturing or Mechanical Establishments

Minors between the ages of 16 and 18 who work in manufacturing or mechanical establishments in Vermont are subject to specific hour limitations. They may work a maximum of nine hours in a day and 50 hours in a week. These restrictions aim to prevent excessive work hours that could interfere with their education and well-being.

It is essential for employers to adhere to these time and hour restrictions to ensure the well-being and educational development of minors in Vermont. By providing a balanced work schedule, employers contribute to the overall growth and success of these young individuals.

First source: Important Information for Employers of Minors in the State of Vermont on Federal and State Child Labor Laws.

Permitted Occupations for 14 and 15-Year-Old Minors in Vermont

Vermont offers a range of employment options for 14 and 15-year-olds, allowing them to gain valuable work experience and develop essential skills. While there are restrictions in place to ensure their safety and well-being, minors in this age group have opportunities in various industries.

These permitted occupations include:

• Office and clerical work
• Cashiering
• Selling
• Modeling
• Artwork
• Advertising
• Window trimming
• Comparative shopping
• Price marking and tagging
• Assembling orders
• Packing and shelving
• Bagging and carrying out customer orders
• Errand and delivery work
• Clean-up work
• Kitchen work
• Work in connection with cars and trucks

These job opportunities allow minors to develop essential skills, such as customer service, organization, and teamwork. It’s important to note that while these occupations are permitted, there are specific restrictions on the use of machinery and equipment to ensure the safety of these young workers.

It’s a great way for 14 and 15-year-olds to gain valuable work experience, learn new skills, and earn some extra income while complying with Vermont’s child labor laws.

Permitted Occupations Table:

Image: Recommended Occupations for 14 and 15-Year-Old Minors in Vermont

Prohibited Occupations for Minors in Vermont

To ensure the safety and well-being of minors in Vermont, there are specific occupations that are prohibited for them to work in. These restrictions are in place to protect minors from potential harm and hazards in certain industries and occupations.

Prohibited occupations for minors in Vermont include:

1. Manufacturing and mining occupations
2. Processing occupations
3. Work in rooms or workplaces where goods are manufactured, mined, or processed
4. Public messenger service
5. Operation or tending of hoisting apparatus or any power-driven machinery
6. Occupations found and declared to be hazardous

Additionally, minors under the age of 18 are also restricted from working in transportation, warehousing, communications, public utilities, and construction occupations, except for certain office and sales work that is not performed at the actual site of construction operations.

These prohibitions aim to safeguard the well-being of minors by preventing their exposure to dangerous environments and tasks that could jeopardize their health and safety.

Please refer to the table below for a summarized overview of the prohibited occupations for minors in Vermont:

Conclusion

In summary, Vermont has implemented comprehensive child labor laws and regulations to safeguard the rights and well-being of young workers. These laws prohibit excessive work hours, dangerous occupations, and the operation of unsafe machinery. Additionally, they outline specific restrictions on the employment of minors based on age, including time and hour limitations and limitations on certain occupations.

Employers in Vermont must adhere to these laws to contribute to the healthy development of the younger generation. By prioritizing the safety and welfare of young workers, employers can create a more promising future for the youth of Vermont.

It is essential for employers to familiarize themselves with the specific provisions and requirements outlined in Vermont’s child labor laws and regulations. By doing so, they can protect the rights of young workers and ensure a safe and supportive work environment for all.