West Virginia Child Labor Laws
Coal mining has long been a major industry in West Virginia with children being employed frequently. As late as 1906, 12 year old boys were legally permitted to work in the mines by day or night for as many hours as the owner chose to have them work, although nine and ten year olds were often found working in those jobs.
Child Labor Laws in West Virginia For Minors Under 14
West Virginia Child Labor Laws are administered by the Division of Labor and indicate that minors under the age of 14 are not permitted to work in order to protect their physical, mental, and emotional development. There are a few exceptions, however. Children younger than 14 are allowed to be employed in entertainment, newspaper delivery, and performing domestic chores within a home. Beginning at the age of 13, they may work in agriculture, as long as the job is not considered hazardous.
Child Labor Laws in West Virginia For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
All minors 14 and 15 years old may work in certain jobs with a work permit. They are prohibited from working in establishments which serve or sell alcohol for consumption. All minors under 18 are restricted from working in the Hazardous Occupations listed below.
West Virginia Child Labor Law outlines restrictions for this age group, including:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 7pm
- Must have a 30 minute break after five consecutive hours of work
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No earlier than 7am or later than 9pm between June 1 and Labor Day
- Must have a 30 minute break after five consecutive hours of work
Child Labor Laws in West Virginia For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors 16 and 17 may work in a variety of jobs with a work permit. Unlike most states, minors 16 and 17 years old may work in firefighting with special training. They still may not operate firefighting vehicles, enter a burning building or structure determined likely to explode or collapse unless authorized by a certified fire officer.
They may not work in establishments that sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
Additionally, there is a Hazardous Occupations list from which all minors are restricted as follows:
- Driving Motor Vehicles
- Exposure to Radioactive Substances
- Work with Explosives
- Mining
- Work with Power-Driven Machinery
- Slaughtering/Meat Packing/Processing
- Roofing
- Excavation
- Demolition/Wrecking
- Manufacturing of Brick/Tile
West Virginia Child Labor Law outlines the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- No schedule restrictions
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- No schedule restrictions
