Overview of Child Labor Laws in Oregon

Oregon regulates the employment of minors under both state law and federal standards. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) oversees child labor rules, including work certificates, hour limits, and prohibited occupations. The stricter of Oregon or federal law must be followed.

Oregon also publishes division rules for minor work, and BOLI provides summaries to help employers understand their obligations.

Minimum Working Age in Oregon

• Under 14: Employment is generally prohibited. Limited exceptions exist for family businesses, agricultural work, and entertainment, but these require strict oversight and proper permits.
• Ages 14–15: May work in selected non-hazardous jobs such as retail, food service (with restrictions), light office tasks, and some agricultural work. They must obtain a Minor Work Permit, and their hours are heavily restricted during the school year.
• Ages 16–17: Eligible to work in a broader range of non-hazardous jobs. They are not limited by the same strict hour rules as younger minors, but remain prohibited from dangerous occupations like construction, logging, or heavy equipment operation.
• 18 and older: Considered adults under Oregon law and not subject to child labor restrictions.

Work Permits for Minors

In Oregon, minors aged 14–17 must obtain a Minor Worker Certificate (or work certificate) before beginning employment.

Steps to obtain a Minor Worker Certificate:

• The minor secures a job offer that outlines hours and duties.
• A parent or guardian consents in writing to the minor’s employment.
• The employer or issuing authority (often the school or BOLI-appointed issuer) verifies the minor’s age and ensures the job is lawful and does not interfere with school.
• The certificate is issued and must be kept on file by the employer at the worksite.
• If the minor changes jobs, a new certificate is required.

Certificates specify permissible hours, duties, and restrictions, and employers must keep them accessible for inspection.

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Oregon enforces hour limits to protect minors’ schooling and welfare. The rules differ by age and whether school is in session.

Other details:

• Minors may not be employed during regular school hours unless participating in an approved work-study or cooperative education program.
• For shifts longer than 5 consecutive hours, minors must be given a 30-minute rest or meal break.
• The certificate must state allowable hours for weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Oregon prohibits minors from engaging in hazardous occupations, in line with both state and federal regulations.

Specific examples:

• Food service: minors may not use meat slicers or operate dough sheeters.
• Agriculture: minors may not handle or apply restricted-use pesticides or operate large tractors.
• Entertainment: permits may allow some longer hours, but still follow certificate limits.

Employers must verify that job duties do not violate Oregon or federal hazardous job lists.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating Oregon child labor laws carries civil penalties enforced by BOLI. Employers may face fines per violation and corrective orders.

While I did not locate a specific maximum statutory penalty in your supplied references, non-compliance can result in administrative fines, a requirement to cease improper employment, and other sanctions. Employers must adhere closely to certificate, hour, and occupational rules to avoid enforcement actions.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Employers must keep accurate records and provide required notifications under Oregon law.

Employers must make the minor worker certificate and schedule of hours available for inspection by BOLI.