Entering the workplace for the first time is an exciting time for most employees, especially for teens. The prospect of earning an hourly wage can sometimes overshadow the nature of the work, the teen’s ability to perform assigned tasks and the hazards associated with the new occupation. Also, parents don’t always recognize the dangers that their children may encounter and often offer congratulations simply because they obtained employment.
So it’s the responsibility of employers to protect young workers in the workplace. Adolescent workers are protected by two laws enforced by the Department of Labor (DOL): The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH). Each state also has child labor laws.