Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Child Farm Labor Laws Massachusetts Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming

Massachusetts law does regulate the employment of minors in the agricultural industry.

Child labor laws on Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions

According to Massachusetts state law, the minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture during school hours is 14 with certification. The minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture outside of school hours is 14 with certification.

Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Massachusetts

An employment certificate is required by Massachusetts state law for minors working in agriculture under the age of 18. Age certification is required for minors working in agriculture who are under the age of 18.

Massachusetts Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours

Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16

During a schoolday or week up to 4 hours a day and 24 hours per week of work are permitted, for minors under 14 a maximum of 8 hours a day and up to 48 hours per week are permitted.

Massachusetts specifies the following as the maximum days per week in which a minor under 16 can perform agricultural work: 6

Nightwork Regulations for Minors Under 16

Nightwork is prohibited for minors under age 16 during the following time windows: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. July 1 through Labor Day) to 6:30 a.m.

Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors

For workers under 16 operation of a saw or cutter on a farm except family farm as well as stripping, sorting, manufacturing or packing tobacco are considered hazardous occupations.

Other Massachusetts Child Labor Laws

In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Massachusetts law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Massachusetts child labor laws.


Get a Massachusetts all-in-one labor law poster

Instead of printing out pages of mandatory Massachusetts and Federal labor law posters, you can purchase a professional, laminated all-in-one labor law poster that guarantees compliance with all Massachusetts and federal posting requirements. Fully updated for March 2017!

Get All-In-One Poster Now

← Back to Massachusetts Minimum Wage
** This Document Provided By Minimum-Wage.org **
Source: http://www.minimum-wage.org/massachusetts/agriculture-child-labor-laws