The recent case of a company, operating as fast food franchise, in Nevada, has shed light on the importance of business owners adhering to child labor laws. The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) investigation revealed more than 170 violations of child labor provisions, exposing the illegal employment of 14- and 15-year-old teenagers in hazardous conditions.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the legal and ethical obligations businesses have towards protecting young workers. In this article, we will explore the significance of child labor laws and the consequences of non-compliance, urging business owners to prioritize the safety and well-being of young employees.

Asure can help you stay in compliance with DOL requirements. Connect with an HR expert.

Protecting Young Workers

Child labor laws are in place to safeguard the rights and welfare of minors. These laws establish restrictions on the type of work, working hours, and age requirements to ensure that young individuals are not exposed to dangerous conditions or exploitation.

By complying with these regulations, businesses play a crucial role in nurturing a safe and healthy work environment for young employees, allowing them to balance their education, personal development, and work responsibilities.

The Violations and Consequences

In the case of the franchise business, the violations ranged from allowing underage workers to operate hazardous equipment, such as manual deep fryers, to exceeding permissible working hours and time restrictions.

These violations resulted in severe penalties, including civil fines of $71,182 and the recovery of overtime back wages and damages for workers denied their rightful compensation. Businesses found in violation of child labor laws not only face financial consequences but also risk tarnishing their reputation and losing customer trust.

Furthermore, such violations can have long-term implications for the affected minors, affecting their physical well-being, education, and prospects.

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the DOL found that the business owner illegally employed 14- and 15-year-old children as follows:

• Before 7 am, later than 7 pm on days between Labor Day and June 1, and later than 9 pm on days between June 1 and Labor Day.

• More than 3 hours per day on school days, more than 18 hours a week in a school week, more than 8 hours on a non-school day, and more than 40 hours in a non-school week.

Legal and Ethical Obligations

Business owners have both a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure compliance with child labor laws. It is essential to familiarize themselves with the regulations specific to their industry and location, as well as to continuously monitor and enforce compliance within their organization.

By doing so, business owners can demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of young workers, upholding their rights and promoting a culture of safety.

Guidance and Resources

To aid businesses in adhering to child labor laws, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division provides numerous online resources and guidance materials.  These resources offer valuable insights into legal requirements, best practices, and strategies to protect young workers while nurturing their professional growth.

Business owners, parents, and other stakeholders should take advantage of these resources to ensure compliance and promote a safe working environment for young employees. Busy business owners who want to stay in compliance but don’t have the bandwidth to keep up to date with fast-changing laws and regulations can outsource this important function to the HR experts at Asure.

Conclusion

The case of the franchise business and its violation of child labor laws serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations governing the employment of young workers. Business owners must recognize their legal and ethical obligations to protect the well-being of minors in the workplace.

By doing so, they not only avoid legal consequences but also contribute to the overall development and safety of young individuals. Let us collectively work towards creating an environment where young employees can learn and grow without compromising their education, health, or prospects.

Learn more about how Asure can help you stay in compliance with DOL requirements by connecting with an HR expert.