KY · hazardous orders for minors
Kentucky 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 Kentucky — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Kentucky layers 2 additions enforced under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 339 (Child Labor).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Kentucky additions
- 2
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- State labor agency + US DOL WHD
- State statute
- Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 339 (Child Labor)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Kentucky
All 17 federal HOs apply in Kentucky by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Kentucky's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Kentucky 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 →
Kentucky additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Kentucky or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 339 (Child Labor) by the state labor agency.
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionKRS 339.230
- Working in coal or other mining operations (any minor)KRS 339.230
Where to verify Kentucky's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Kentucky 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.