Vermont Child Labor Laws
Vermont has a long history of protecting its youngest and most vulnerable citizens, which is why the state’s child labor laws are so important. These laws ensure that kids between the ages of 14-17 are safe while they work, and protect them from exploitation in the workplace. With strong enforcement from the Vermont Department of Labor, these regulations guarantee young workers the opportunity to gain valuable experience without compromising their safety or education.
Putting an end to child labor violations starts with everyone knowing their rights – and understanding what employers can (and can’t) ask minors to do on the job. In Vermont, there are strict laws for how many hours youth may work each day as well as specific rules about which tasks are off-limits based on age and occupation.
Child Labor Laws in Vermont For Minors Under 14
Child labor laws in Vermont are designed to ensure that minors under the age of 14 have a safe and secure working environment. The state of Vermont takes these laws seriously, as they strive to protect children from exploitative or hazardous working conditions. Here’s an overview of the current child labor regulations in Green Mountain State.
Vermont works hard to limit the number of hours minors may work, as well as restrict their ability to work at certain times of day and night. Under Vermont law, those aged 14 and 15 may work no more than 18 hours per week during school weeks, with three hours maximum on school days and eight on non-school days. Additionally, minors under 14 cannot be employed at all without special permission from both parents or guardians and the Department of Labor’s Commissioner of Labor Standards.
Child Labor Laws in Vermont For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Child labor laws in Vermont are designed to ensure that minors aged 14 and 15 years old are not subjected to unfair or unsafe working conditions. As the youngest working age group, these minors have some of the most robust protections under state law.
All employers in Vermont must follow federal, state, and local laws regarding the hiring of minors between ages 14 and 15. For example, a minor may not be employed for more than three hours a day on school days or more than eight hours a day on non-school days. Furthermore, work cannot start before 7 am or end after 7 pm during school days or 9 pm on non-school days. Minors also cannot work during school hours unless they obtain special permission from their parents and their school district superintendent.
Child Labor Laws in Vermont For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Vermont takes its labor laws for minors very seriously. Most of the state’s child labor restrictions focus on protecting minors, ages 16 and 17, from engaging in any hazardous job duties or long hours that may interfere with their education or health. Vermont’s Department of Labor has put together a list of child labor restrictions and guidelines to ensure that all employers abide by these regulations when it comes to hiring minors.
The primary restriction is that a minor cannot work more than 48 hours per week, or 8 hours per day during school days. Minors are also not allowed to operate machinery (other than office machines), drive vehicles for commercial purposes, serve liquor in bars or restaurants, climb ladders taller than 10 feet, engage in construction work above ground level six feet high without proper safety equipment, or use toxic chemicals without direct supervision by an adult.
Jobs That Minors Can Do In Vermont
Vermont is the perfect place for teens to get started on their career path. With plenty of accessible, fun and educational job opportunities available to minors, Vermont’s youth can gain valuable experience while earning some extra cash. From tutoring and babysitting to working in retail or at a summer camp, there are many different jobs that minors can do in Vermont.
For those interested in outdoor work, there are opportunities such as landscaping or lawn care, farmhand duties and even construction projects. For those looking for more creative outlets, Vermont has positions open for graphic design and computer programming consultants as well as internships with local music venues or art galleries. Retail positions are also popular among teens; from stocking shelves to working the cash register or helping customers find what they need; these jobs provide valuable customer service experience.
- Babysitter
- Dog walker
- Lawn mower
- Newspaper delivery person
- Grocery store bagger
- Car washer
- Tutor
- Pet sitter
- Leaf raker
- Snow shoveler
- Farm worker
- Ice cream scooper
- Dishwasher
- Retail sales associate
- Golf course caddy
- Movie theater usher
- Lifeguard
- Camp counselor
- Park ranger assistant
- Event set-up and take-down assistant
Hazardous Jobs For Teens In Vermont As Child Labor Laws
As a state with some of the strictest child labor laws in the country, Vermont has very limited options when it comes to hazardous jobs for teens. Most jobs that require exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noises, and hazardous materials are strictly off-limits for minors. However, there are still a few opportunities for teens looking to make some extra money while learning valuable skills.
Vermont teens can work as lifeguards or ski instructors at resorts during the winter season. While these positions involve physical activity and long hours in sometimes frigid temperatures, they offer great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to hone their skills and earn money doing something they love. Additionally, many farms offer agricultural job openings during harvest times such as picking apples or planting vegetables. These farm jobs can be physically demanding but provide an opportunity to learn about growing produce and develop new skillsets related to farming practices.
- Mining and quarrying
- Manufacturing explosives
- Roofing work
- Excavation and trenching
- Demolition work
- Operating heavy machinery
- Logging and forestry work
- Handling radioactive materials
- Meat packing and processing
- Working in sawmills
- Work with power-driven woodworking machines
- Work involving exposure to lead or other hazardous chemicals
- Work in boiler or engine rooms
- Work with electrical wiring or installations
- Work involving blasting or use of high-pressure cleaning equipment
- Work in confined spaces
- Work involving exposure to extreme temperatures or heights
- Work involving hazardous waste cleanup
- Work with motor vehicles, including driving and operating machinery
- Work in construction and demolition