PA · hazardous orders for minors
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Pennsylvania layers 2 additions enforced under Pennsylvania Child Labor Act of 2012, 43 P.S. §§ 40.1-40.16.
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Pennsylvania additions
- 2
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- School district (Issuing Officer of the school the minor attends)
- State statute
- Pennsylvania Child Labor Act of 2012, 43 P.S. §§ 40.1-40.16
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Pennsylvania
All 17 federal HOs apply in Pennsylvania by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Pennsylvania's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Pennsylvania 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 →
Pennsylvania additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Pennsylvania or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Pennsylvania Child Labor Act of 2012, 43 P.S. §§ 40.1-40.16 by School district (Issuing Officer of the school the minor attends).
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervision43 P.S. §40.7
- Construction work and demolition for minors under 1843 P.S. §40.7(b)
Where to verify Pennsylvania's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Pennsylvania 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.