Maine Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on Maine and Federal levels have special provisions that apply to minors working in the agricultural industry, including working as farm hands, harvesting fruit or vegetables, etc. In many states, agricultural child labor laws focus on safety and tend to be less restrictive in terms of working hours than general child labor regulations.
In most cases, agricultural child labor laws do not apply to children working on their family's farm. Many traditionally agricultural states have less restrictive child labor laws in this area.
Maine exempts agricultural labor from child labor laws if not in direct contact with hazardous machinery or substances.
Maine Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to Maine state law, the minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture during school hours is 16 unless excused by superintendent of schools. The minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture outside of school hours is 14 if in direct contact with hazardous machinery or substances.Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Maine
An employment certificate is required by Maine state law for minors working in agriculture under the age of 18 only if they are in direct contact with hazardous machinery or substances, otherwise minors are exempt from this requirement. No age certification is required for minors working in agriculture under Maine laws.Maine Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
Exempt
Maine specifies the following as the maximum days per week in which a minor under 16 can perform agricultural work: Exempt
Nightwork Regulations for Minors Under 16
Nightwork is prohibited for minors under age 16 during the following time windows: Exempt
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Maine does not specify any specific prohibited hazardous occupations for minors engaged in agricultural work. However, Federal child labor regulations do specify such prohibited occupations.
Other Maine Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Maine law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Maine child labor laws.
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