New DOL Regulations on Non-agricultural Child Labor

On May 20, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (DOL) published a final rule in the Federal Register, updating its long-standing regulations. Effective on July 19, 2010, the new rules are intended to enhance the safety of workers ages 14 through 17 and provide this age group with additional opportunities to develop skills. Under the new regulations there is an expansion of work opportunities for minors ages 14 and 15 in new permitted industries for employment. According to the DOL, it next intends to focus on updating its child-labor regulations for agricultural employment. FMI: See http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. See also http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-11434.pdf.