ME · hazardous orders for minors
Maine 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 Maine — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Maine layers 2 additions enforced under Maine Revised Statutes Title 26 Chapter 7 (§§ 771-781) (Employment of Minors).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Maine additions
- 2
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- Local school superintendent (Work Permit)
- State statute
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 26 Chapter 7 (§§ 771-781) (Employment of Minors)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Maine
All 17 federal HOs apply in Maine by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Maine's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Maine 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 →
Maine additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Maine or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Maine Revised Statutes Title 26 Chapter 7 (§§ 771-781) (Employment of Minors) by Local school superintendent (Work Permit).
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervision26 MRSA §775
- Logging and sawmilling for minors under 1826 MRSA §774
Where to verify Maine's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Maine 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.