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Construction company punished for FLSA child labor violations

Thousands of teenagers across the country get part-time jobs in order to gain work experience. The Fair Labor Standards Act not only regulates wage and hour practices, but it also regulates child labor standards. When minors in the workplace are involved, a company’s failure to properly follow FLSA regulations can result in a lawsuit for damages and penalties. In one recent case, the Department of Labor found a construction company in violation of child labor laws and failure to follow overtime laws.

Case in Point
An Ohio construction company was fined by the Department of Labor after a 16-year-old worker fell off a scissor lift during a roofing project in May. The worker suffered cranial trauma and fractures.
The Ohio Wage and Hour Division assessed $30,350 in civil penalties to Waymar Construction LLC for child labor and safety violations. According to the DOL, the company allowed a minor under 18 to operate a hoisting device and perform roofing work, a violation of the FLSA’s child labor regulations.
Under FLSA regulations, workers must be at least 18 years of age if they engage in certain hazardous nonagricultural occupations.
Construction company also cited for FLSA overtime violations
After its investigation, the DOL found that Waymar Construction was paying employees straight-time instead of time-and-a-half for hours worked over 40 in a week. If you are a non-exempt employee and you work more than 40 hours a week this is a violation of the overtime provisions of the FLSA.
If your employer pays you straight time for overtime, or you are a victim of unfair pay practices, order our free book, The 10 Biggest Mistakes that can Hurt your Wage and Overtime claim today. You can also call our office at 888-449-2068 to have our employment lawyers evaluate your case for free.


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