CA · hazardous orders for minors
California hazardous orders for minors
Federal FLSA defines 17 Hazardous Occupations Orders (HO-1 to HO-17) that prohibit minors under 18 from working in specific dangerous jobs. Every state — including California — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, California layers 1 addition enforced under CA Labor Code §§ 1285-1312; Education Code §§ 49100-49183.
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- California additions
- 1
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- School district (Statement of Intent to Employ Minor + Permit to Work)
- State statute
- CA Labor Code §§ 1285-1312; Education Code §§ 49100-49183
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in California
All 17 federal HOs apply in California by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. California's own code re-lists 4 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in California code
- 29 CFR Part 570All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17
- HO-10Operating power-driven meat-processing machines
- HO-16Roofing operations and work on or about a roof
- HO-17Excavation operations
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
California additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to California or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under CA Labor Code §§ 1285-1312; Education Code §§ 49100-49183 by School district (Statement of Intent to Employ Minor + Permit to Work).
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16CA Labor Code §1308.1
Where to verify California's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and California state rules conflict, the stricter standard applies (FLSA § 218(a)). If you're an employer unsure whether a specific task is allowed, or a parent / minor who suspects a violation, contact the state labor agency directly through the links below.