MN · hazardous orders for minors
Minnesota 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 Minnesota — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Minnesota layers 2 additions enforced under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 181A (Employment of Minors).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Minnesota 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
- Minnesota Statutes Chapter 181A (Employment of Minors)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Minnesota
All 17 federal HOs apply in Minnesota by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Minnesota's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Minnesota 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 →
Minnesota additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Minnesota or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 181A (Employment of Minors) by the state labor agency.
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionMinn. Stat. §181A.04
- Working alone in a retail store between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM (under 18)Minn. Stat. §181A.04
Where to verify Minnesota's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Minnesota 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.