Child Labour Laws in Ohio

Ohio’s child labor laws are designed to balance the opportunity for minors to gain work experience with the need to safeguard their education, health, and safety. Administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance, these laws set minimum ages for employment, require work permits, restrict work hours, and prohibit hazardous occupations.

Employers in Ohio must also comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). When state and federal rules differ, the stricter standard applies. For example, Ohio limits work hours for minors more closely than federal law in many cases.

Minimum Working Age in Ohio

Ohio sets the minimum working age at 14. However, younger minors may work in limited roles under special conditions:

• Under 14: Employment is generally prohibited, with exceptions for casual babysitting, newspaper delivery, working in a family business, and agricultural work outside school hours.
• Ages 14–15: Permitted to work in approved, non-hazardous jobs such as retail, food service, or office work, subject to hour restrictions.
• Ages 16–17: May work in more industries and longer hours, but remain barred from hazardous occupations.
• 18 and older: Not subject to child labor laws.

Work Permits for Minors

Minors under 18 who are enrolled in school must obtain a valid Age and Schooling Certificate (work permit) before they begin employment.

Steps to obtain a work permit in Ohio:

• The minor receives a job offer from an employer.
• The parent or guardian completes and signs the application form.
• A physician provides a medical certificate confirming the minor is fit for employment.
• The school issues the work permit after verifying age, academic status, and a health certificate.
• The employer must keep the work permit on file at the workplace.

Permits remain valid as long as the student is enrolled and employed, but they must be updated for each new job.

Hour Restrictions for Minors

Ohio sets strict limits on the hours minors can work, with separate rules depending on age and whether school is in session.

Additional requirements:

• Minors must receive a 30-minute uninterrupted break for every 5 consecutive hours worked.
• Employers must post a list of minors’ work schedules in a conspicuous place at the worksite.

Prohibited Jobs for Minors

Ohio law and federal regulations prohibit minors from working in hazardous occupations. Restrictions vary by age.

Industry-specific rules also apply; for example, minors are prohibited from operating meat slicers in restaurants or handling certain pesticides in agriculture.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violating Ohio’s child labor laws can lead to significant consequences for employers.

• Civil penalties: Fines up to $750 per violation for standard offenses. Repeated violations can result in penalties of $1,000 or more per occurrence.
• Criminal penalties: Willful violations may result in misdemeanor charges, with fines and possible jail time.
• Federal penalties: The U.S. Department of Labor can impose fines up to $15,138 per violation, or $68,801 if a violation results in serious injury or death.
• Employer liability: Employers may also face lawsuits, license revocation, and reputational damage.

Parents are generally not penalised unless they employ their children in hazardous roles without permits or oversight.

HR Notifications and Documentation

Employers in Ohio are required to maintain detailed records of minor employees and notify relevant authorities as needed.

Notification requirements:

• Schools: Employers must submit work permit details and changes in work schedules.
• Parents/Guardians: Must be informed of schedule changes, injuries, or disciplinary issues.
• State Authorities: Serious violations or workplace injuries involving minors must be reported promptly.