Frequently Asked Questions about Child Labor Law in Oklahoma

FAQ

What is Oklahoma's minimum age for employment?

The minimum age to be employed in Oklahoma is 14 years. Children working either on farms or for parents or any entity in which a parent owns an equity interest are exempt. Children engaged in the sale or delivery of newspapers to consumers are also exempt. (See the federal Fair Labor Standards Act for more information.)

Who issues the work permit (Employment Certificate of Age and Schooling)?

The work permit is usually obtained from the student-employee's school princinpal or the principal of the school the child should be attending. The principal verifies the child's age and the compulsory school requirements in accordance with Title 70 Section 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The child's parents must approve the certificate if the child is being home-schooled.

How many hours can a 14 or 15-year-old work while attending school?

Durin the scholl year, the 14 or 15 year old student-employee may work up to three (3) hours on school days, up to eight (8) hours on non-school days, and up to 18 hours in a school week and only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

How many hours can a 14 or 15-year-old work during summer or other break?

In the summer or if school is out for the entire week the student may work up to 8 hours a day and up to 40 hours in any one week, and only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Are there "break requirements for 14 or 15 year-olds during the work day?

For every 8 consecutive hours the student-employee works, he or she must be given a one hour cumulative rest period.

For every 5 consecutive hours the student-employee works, he or she must be given a half hour cumulative rest period.

Are there any restrictions on the hours or times a 16 or 17-year-old can work during school session or summer break?

There are no restrictions on the hours or times once the minor reaches 16 years of age.

What kind of jobs or work may a 16 or 17 year old perform?

The student-employee may perform any type of work that is non-hazardous. The following is a partial list of occupations that have been declared as hazardous for this age group:

Baking	Demolition	Machinery	Motor Vehicles
Communications	Excavation	Manufacturing	Processing
Construction	Hoisting Devices	Mining	Transportation

According to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, there are 17 hazardous occupations in which the minor must be at least 18 years of age to be employed. (See the federal Fair Labor Standards Act for a listing; at http:// www.dol.gov.)

Minors under the age of 16 years are prohibited from performing occupations related to: construction; cooking or baking; fryers or grills; hoisting devices; ladders or scaffolds; lawn mowers and weed eaters other than working for self; loading and unloading; manufacturing, mining, or processing; motor vehicles or service as helpers on vehicles; power-driven machines or equipment; public messenger service; public utilities and communications; slicers or sharp knives; transportation of persons or property by rail, highway, air, water, pipeline or other means; warehousing or storage.