In a blink of an eye, summer is over and people everywhere are planning on changes in weather and time. Just a few short weeks ago, we were reminding you about considerations for the summer employment hours for minors. Now that school is fully back in session for high schoolers, employers need to make sure their teenage employees scale back on their hours. While this may not cover every situation, here is a quick review of some of the most significant issues when it comes to employing minors during the school year.
Time Restrictions
August slipped away like a moment in time. Along with it, so does a minor student’s ability to work more often and have a more flexible schedule. Minor workers ages 14 and 15 face the most restrictions. In Ohio, minor workers cannot work:
- During school hours when school is in session.
- Before 7 AM or after 7 PM when school is in session.
- More than 3 hours on a school day.
- More than 18 hours during any school week.
Workers aged 16 or 17, who are required to attend school, cannot work before 7 AM on any day that school is in session. If they did not work past 8 PM the night before, they may start working at 6 AM. Additionally, they cannot work past 11 PM on any school night.
Work Permits
All workers aged 14 to 17 are required to have a work permit during the school year before they can start working. Work permits require a description of the job and work duties, so the students do not need the permit prior to applying for the job. But, they need it before starting the job. Minors also need to complete a physical exam by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or clinical nurse specialist in order to obtain a work permit. While it may seem like a hassle, work permits exist to protect younger workers.
Breaks and Restricted Jobs
Not everything changes with the start of the school year: minor workers are still entitled to a 30-minute break if they work 5 consecutive hours. Additionally, the same job restrictions continue to apply throughout the school year.
Questions about whether your high school employees are working proper hours? Before autumn leaves start falling, make sure all of your employment-related pieces are in place. Bricker Graydon’s Labor & Employment team is here to work with your organization and ensure you are compliant with all of Ohio’s labor laws.
