School's Out: Do You Employ Seasonal Workers?

Summer is heating up, and though August is around the corner, it is important to know a few DOs and DON'Ts regarding teens, minors and seasonal workers.

• Those under 18 are generally not allowed to work in hazardous occupations.
• Those under 16 are prohibited from all manufacturing jobs, warehouse work, unloading trucks, etc.
• All minor are prohibited from operating motor vehicles or from serving as an outside helper a motor vehicle that is in operation on a public road.
• Generally Federal Law prohibits employment of minors under the age of 14 with some exception.
• All employees under 18 must be given a 30 minute break every five hours.

With a few exclusions, summer employees and their employers must both contribute to FICA and Medicare tax pools. Some exceptions include temporary agricultural workers, nurses serving as part of training, certain domestic services, ministers and student services as part of their curriculum.

In general, employees need to be aware of the many rules and laws that cover at the hiring of minors and seek legal guidance as questions develop. Check out the Division of Labor Web site.