Ohio Child Labor Laws 2024
Contents :: Ohio Child Labor Law
Child labor laws on Ohio and <a href="/federal/child-labor-laws">Federal</a> levels exist to prevent the exploitation of minors for labor, and ensure that education is prioritized over work. Limitations on child labor vary by age, and may include restrictions on the types of work that can be done, maximum hours that may be worked, and limitations on late or overnight work.
Regulation of child labor may include the use of Employment Certificates issued by the minor's school or the state Labor Department, and/or an Age Certification document that verifies the minor's age for work purposes. This page details Ohio's child labor law regulations.
Mandatory Employment & Age Certification for Minors
Employment Certificates in Ohio
Employment Certificates, also known as Work Permits, are mandatory in Ohio for minors under 16 at any time, and 16 and 17 during school term. The certificate must be acquired by the minor and presented to their employer to verify their ability to work before they are hired.
In Ohio, age certificates are not issued, but proof of age is required for minors 16 and 17 years of age for employment during school vacation.
16- and 17-year-old minors are not required to provide a certificate to be employed at a seasonal amusement or recreational establishment, if they have the approval of the Superintendent of Schools of the district where they live .
Acquiring an Ohio Employment Certificate:
In Ohio, minors can obtain an Employment Certificate through their school, generally by contacting a guidance counselor or school administrator. An Employment Certificate will be issued if the minor meets all of the state's criteria for employment.
Age Certification in Ohio
While some states require working minors to provide their employers with an age certification document, this is not required for minors who wish to work in Ohio. Employers are expected to identify minors whom they employ and ensure that their employment is in compliance with all Federal and state child labor restrictions.
Minor Working Hour Restrictions in Ohio
Minors who are authorized to work in Ohio are subject to restrictions on when they can work, and how many hours they can work. The exact restrictions in effect depend on the age of the minor, and are designed to ensure that work does not interfere with the minor's schooling.
Maximum Hours of Work for Minors
Working hour restrictions limit how many hours a minor may work per day, and per week.
For Minors Under 16:
8 hours of work per day, 40 per week are permitted when school is off. During a school week, 3 hours of work are permitted per day and up to 18 hours per week.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Ohio has no restrictions on maximum working hours for minors aged 16 and 17.
Nightwork Restrictions for Minors
Nightwork restrictions set limits on how late a minor can legally work.
For Minors Under 16:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 7 p.m. (9 p.m. June 1 to Sept. 1 and during school holidays of 5 school days or more) to 7 a.m., 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in door-to-door sales.
For Minors Ages 16 and 17:
Work is prohibited during these hours: 11 p.m. before school day to 7 a.m. on school day (6 a.m. if not employed after 8 p.m. previous night) if required to attend school. 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. in door-to-door sales.
Special Child Labor Laws in Ohio
In addition to laws requiring work certificates or age verification for general employment of minors, most states have special regulations governing the employment of minors in agriculture (such as farm work and harvesting), and the entertainment industry (including child actors, models, and performers).
To learn about these special child labor laws in Ohio, see the following pages.
On a Federal level, child labor is regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors and students may additionally be subject to special labor law regulations regarding minimum wage, meal and break periods while working, and more.
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