District of Columbia Child Labor Law

The District of Columbia Child Labor Laws follow those of the federal government very closely. These laws regulate what kinds of jobs children can hold, how old they need to be to work, and how long and during what times they can work.

I know that children 13 and younger can babysit, deliver newspapers, and participate in acting or performing for tv, radio, stage or movies. 14-15 year olds can work in an office, grocery store, retail store, restaurant, movie theater or amusement park. Also, any teen over 16 can work at any job not declared hazardous.

What’s considered hazardous work for children? The list includes work in mining, logging, meatpacking, roofing, excavation, or demolition. Children can’t drive a car or forklift, work with saws, explosives, radioactive material or most power-driven machines.

I know that children under age 16 may work 5 hours a day/18 hours a week during the school week, and 8 hours a day/40 hours a week during non-school hours. All work must be performed 7am – 7pm except in the summer, where evening hours are extended to 9pm. Over age 16 have no restrictions on their work times and hours.

Employers are required to post child labor posters at their workplace. The District of Columbia Complete Labor Law poster has the child labor laws reflected as well as all of the state, federal, and OSHA requirements. They are also required to post the weekly time sheets of their minor employees in a visible location in their company.

Willful violations may be prosecuted criminally and the violator fined up to $10,000. A second conviction may result in imprisonment. Violators of the child labor provisions are subject to a civil money penalty of up to $10,000 for each employee who was the subject of a violation.