IA · hazardous orders for minors
Iowa 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 Iowa — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Iowa layers 2 additions enforced under Iowa Code Chapter 92 (Employment of Minors).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Iowa additions
- 2
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- Iowa Workforce Development (online)
- State statute
- Iowa Code Chapter 92 (Employment of Minors)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Iowa
All 17 federal HOs apply in Iowa by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Iowa's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Iowa 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
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
Iowa additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Iowa or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Iowa Code Chapter 92 (Employment of Minors) by Iowa Workforce Development (online).
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionIowa Code §92.7
- Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18Iowa Code §123.49
Where to verify Iowa's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Iowa 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.