What are the laws concerning the employment of young workers?

In California, there are specific laws that govern the employment of young workers. Generally, no one under the age of 18 can work in any occupation recognized as hazardous by the U.S. Secretary of Labor. This includes mining, driving, logging, working with power-driven machines, and jobs involving exposure to radiation or toxic substances. Furthermore, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations, youth under 18 years old are not allowed to work more than eight hours per day or forty hours per week, and may not work more than five hours in any single day unless accompanied by an adult. Youth under the age of 16 cannot work in any occupation involving manufacturing, processing, or storing of pharmaceuticals. In addition, youth under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in certain occupations related to food service, including cooking, slicing meat, and preparing sandwiches and salads. Young workers may not work past 10pm or before 6am, unless the employer has obtained a special nighttime work permit from the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. This nighttime work permit will include specified hours, the name and address of the employer, and the name, age, and address of each minor employee. Finally, young workers may be subject to employment restrictions known as “protective legislation.” These restrictions limit the hours they can work and the duties they can perform, as well as require employers to maintain a safe working environment.

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