With summer just around the corner, it’s essential for employers to remember the do’s and don’ts of employing youth workers. Youth workers are an important part of the workforce especially during the summer months when school is not in session. In Michigan, the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) governs the employment of minors. YESA defines a minor as anyone who is less than 18 years of age.

All minors must obtain a work permit before starting work. If the minor changes jobs, a new work permit is required. Unlike adult employees who are not required to receive a meal or rest break, minor employees cannot work more than five hours without a documented 30-minute uninterrupted break.

Minors ages 14 and 15 may not work more than six days in a workweek, ten hours in a day, or a weekly average of 8 hours per day. Their total weekly hours also may not exceed 48 hours of school and work combined in a workweek. Minors ages 14 and 15 may not work before 7:00am or after 9:00pm.

Similarly, minors ages 16 and 17 may not work more than six days in a workweek, ten hours in a day, or a weekly average of 8 hours per day. Their weekly hours may not exceed 24 hours per workweek when school is in session or 48 hours per workweek when school is not in session. Minors ages 16 and 17 may not work before 6:00am or after 10:30pm on Sunday-Thursday. On Friday and Saturday and during school vacation periods that are at least seven days long, minors ages 16 and 17 can work until 11:30pm.

Minors are prohibited from being employed in any hazardous occupation.  The State of Michigan has identified those occupations that are considered “hazardous.”  They include, but are not limited to:

• Jobs involving contact with hazardous substances, chemicals, explosives, or radioactive substances;
• Jobs using woodworking machinery;
• Work on construction or excavation sites;
• Slaughtering, butchering, cutting meat or suing meat slicers, cleavers, or boning knives; and
• Occupations involving power driven equipment, tools, saws, or machinery.

Michigan employers can find more information about YESA here. Requirements vary by state, so employers outside of Michigan should brush up on those state-specific youth employment laws. If both state and federal youth employment laws apply, the more stringent standard controls.

If you have questions about YESA, employment laws in other states, or federal youth employment laws, please contact Breanne Gilliam.