WASHINGTON — School is out and for some teenagers, that means time for temporary summer jobs. Oftentimes, teens use it as an opportunity to earn some money but in doing so it’s important for them to know the dangers of working specific jobs while also knowing their rights and limits with every job.
I spoke with Reed Simock, a Youth Employment Specialist from the Department of Labor and Industries who tells me oftentimes teens keep quiet about complaints because they don’t want to upset their boss.
However, he notes it’s especially important to make sure teens are aware of their rights. Rights like lunch and rest breaks as well as filing a complaint about something they see.
If you see something that may seem like it’s breaking the rules and regulations of L&I, you can file complaints by emailing the department of visiting its website.
When it comes to the specific rules and regulations of working as a teen, they aren’t allowed to operate heavy machinery or power driven tools like saws or even bulldozers.
“There’s the potential for injury there and they would have to be 18,” Simock tells me. “They’re also protected from working in occupations that require them to wear personal protective gear.”
While most jobs require the average work boots, gloves and protective eyewear, he tells me any job that requires more than that, may not be meeting the regulations for teen jobs.
Teens are allowed to work year round, however the hours vary depending on the time of year and their age. For example, teens working during the summer might have a higher chance of getting a full-time job versus during the school year.
If they have school, teens are restricted to half-time/part-time jobs. No school means a full-time job.
As for the specific hours, those vary depending on age.
According to the University of Washington Medicine, 14 to 15-year-olds are allowed to work more than hours a day during a school week. On Saturdays and Sundays, they can work for eight hours with a maximum of 16 hours for the week.
Teens that are 16 to 17-years-old can work no more than four hours a day during school. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays they’re allowed eight hours for a maximum of 20 hours for the school week.
Teens who do have jobs are part of a regulated workforce. The Department of Labor & Industries regulates business by using a complaint driven process.
Public Affairs personnel for L&I, Matthew Erlich tells me, “Employers, schools, parents, and teens all play a role in teen worker safety. Employers can provide training for young first-time workers.”
In a release from the L&I, statistics from past years shows that in 2022, 787 employees under the age of 18 suffered from work related injuries. L&I says around 40,000 businesses in the state are allied to have teen workers.
When it comes to rest breaks and lunch breaks. Teens working more than five hours are required to take a 30-minute lunch break. Anyone working over four hours must have a 10-minute paid rest break.
All things businesses are aware of. You can find more information on the department’s website.
