Federal and state labor authorities have launched a joint initiative to strengthen the enforcement of child labor laws. This effort focuses on preventing minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations that are restricted by federal and state regulations.
Jobs deemed unsafe for young workers include operating power-driven machines such as meat slicers, woodworking tools, metal-working equipment, forklifts, and bakery machines. Roofing, demolition, and excavation work are also prohibited for this age group.
The U.S. Wage and Hour Division, alongside the Department of Labor & Workforce Development, will engage in outreach to educate both employers and young employees about their rights and protections. The initiative aims to address a growing trend in violations; in fiscal year 2023 alone, investigators identified 955 violations affecting nearly 5,800 children nationwide. Penalties exceeded $8 million for employers who breached these laws.
The collaboration between federal and New Jersey state agencies will focus on proactive investigations within the state. Officials noted that approximately 70,000 minors were employed by private companies in New Jersey in 2022.
NJDOL Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo emphasized the importance of safeguarding young workers: “Along with our partners at the U.S. Department of Labor, we are firmly committed to protecting the Garden State’s young workers from unlawful, illegal and hazardous working conditions.”
Further details about prohibited jobs for minors can be found on the U.S. DOL website. Information regarding New Jersey's child labor laws is available on the state's DOL site.
