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Child labor — Virginia

Both federal and state law governs the employment of minors. Both the state and federal government have child labor laws that prohibit minors from engaging in certain occupations or using dangerous materials/equipment. Employers should ensure that minors are not engaging in prohibited occupations. It is important to note that different areas of work have different rules governing minors and employment. For example, farm work has different governing rules than retail work.

Generally, the laws provide minors the same rights and protections given to adult employees, but also place certain restrictions on the employment of minors, primarily to protect their health, safety and educational opportunities. The child labor provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) restrict hours, wages and types of occupations in which minors may be employed based on the minor employee’s age.

Child labor laws coverage

Child labor provisions apply only to the employment of minors; that is, people under the age of 18. The child labor provisions do not apply to employees 18 years or older. An obvious way to avoid any liability under the child labor provisions of the FLSA is to ask each employment applicant...


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