Overview of Kentucky Child Labor Laws

The child labor laws in Kentucky encompass several areas.

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Age

Kentucky places strict age limitations on the employment eligibility of minors. In most cases, children under 14 cannot work at standard jobs. However, they can perform certain tasks for pay, such as acting, delivering newspapers and working for their parents or grandparents in non-hazardous activities. Children aged 14 to 15 can also work in various non-hazardous occupations. 

Minors aged 16 or 17 can engage in any employment activity not deemed hazardous by the Kentucky Secretary of Labor. 

Hours

Minors who meet the age requirements may face limitations regarding how long they can work. Those who are 14 or 15 can work no more than three hours per day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. while school is in session. The total cannot exceed 18 hours per week. Outside the school year, they can work up to eight hours a day between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to a maximum of 40 hours per week. 

Minors aged 16 and 17 do not have hours restrictions, although they cannot work during normal school hours.

Also, all employees under 18 must receive a 30-minute break after every five hours of work. 

Work Types

No employees under 18 may engage in specific hazardous activities, including operating heavy machinery, mining, manufacturing or any task that exposes them to harmful substances. Examples of permissible jobs for children aged 14 and 15 include cashiering, stocking shelves, food service and office work. 

Further Information

Those who need more information on Kentucky’s Child Labor Laws may now contact the Division of Wages and Hours at the new phone number and fax number provided on the notice or go to the Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s website at the following address: https://www.kentucky.gov/

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