Child Labor Laws
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) identifies certain occupations as particularly hazardous for individuals under 18 years old. However, the law provides exceptions for student learners ages 16 to 18 who are enrolled in a course of study and training within a cooperative vocational training program. This exception applies to many of the identified hazardous occupations (FLSA §570.50 – §570.68).
Students enrolled in CareerTech training programs receive industry-specific safety training, which is a key reason the law allows their employment in otherwise restricted occupations.
U.S Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor – Child Labor: Guidance for following the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including news, fact sheets, and other resources. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor
U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division: Promotes positive and safe work experiences for teens by providing information about protections for young workers to youth, parents, employers, and educators.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/youthrules
U.S. Department of Labor- Provisions: Fact Sheet Child Labor Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for Nonagricultural Occupations
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/43-child-labor-non-agriculture
Oklahoma Department of Labor
Oklahoma Child Labor Unit: The Child Labor Unit (CLU) is responsible for educational outreach and enforcement efforts for Oklahoma's youth employment laws, which regulate the legal age or employment, work permit process, hours and times standards, breaks, and permitted and prohibited jobs. https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/child-labor.html
Work Permits: In Oklahoma, 14 and 15-year-olds are required to obtain a work permit from their school before starting employment. Employers are legally required to have this certificate on file. The permit must be approved by the principal or an administrative officer of the minor's school, or by the parents if the minor is homeschooled. The issuing officer verifies the minor's age and ensures compliance with school laws (Title 70 Section 10).: https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/child-labor/work-permit.html
Oklahoma Child Labor FAQ: Provides answers to frequently asked questions for Oklahoma Employers. https://oklahoma.gov/labor/workplace-rights/child-labor/faqs---child-labor-unit.html
