MA · hazardous orders for minors
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Massachusetts layers 1 addition enforced under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149 §§ 56-104.
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Massachusetts additions
- 1
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- School district (Youth Employment Permit)
- State statute
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149 §§ 56-104
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Massachusetts
All 17 federal HOs apply in Massachusetts by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Massachusetts's own code re-lists 4 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Massachusetts code
- 29 CFR Part 570All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17
- HO-10Operating power-driven meat-processing machines
- HO-7Operating elevators and other power-driven hoists
- HO-2 and HO-4Working in connection with mining, logging, or sawmilling
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
Massachusetts additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Massachusetts or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 149 §§ 56-104 by School district (Youth Employment Permit).
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16MGL c.149 §65
Where to verify Massachusetts's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Massachusetts 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.