Municipalities frequently hire juveniles for parks, recreation, and maintenance, but child labor laws under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and Nebraska rules are strict and often violated through simple oversights.

Common mistakes include assigning minors under 18 to hazardous tasks, such as operating forklifts, skid-steers, or chain saws, prohibited for all under federal law. Municipal public works teams may allow teens to use such equipment for routine jobs such as landscaping or tree care, unaware of the bans.

Another frequent error involves hour restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds: no more than 3 hours on school days, 18 hours weekly during school, or work after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. in summer). Summer programs can easily exceed these limits.

In Nebraska, 14- and 15-year-olds generally need an employment certificate from their school, with copies to the Department of Labor and employer, plus posted work hour forms, often overlooked in seasonal hiring.

This article outlines a few common mistakes in underage labor.  A more comprehensive document is available by logging into the LARM Library at Larmpool.org.  Additional resources are available at:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor

https://www.oshaeducationcenter.com/articles/child-labor-laws/

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/child-labor/what-jobs-are-off-limits

https://www.education.ne.gov/workplace-experiences/child-labor-laws/

By reviewing these sources and training staff on age-based rules, municipalities can safely employ young workers while protecting them and avoiding violations.