RI · hazardous orders for minors
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Rhode Island layers 2 additions enforced under Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 28-3 (Employment of Children).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Rhode Island additions
- 2
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- Local school district issuing officer (Special Limited Permit)
- State statute
- Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 28-3 (Employment of Children)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Rhode Island
All 17 federal HOs apply in Rhode Island by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Rhode Island's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Rhode Island 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 →
Rhode Island additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Rhode Island or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 28-3 (Employment of Children) by Local school district issuing officer (Special Limited Permit).
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionRI Gen Laws §28-3-1
- Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18RI Gen Laws §3-8-11.1
Where to verify Rhode Island's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Rhode Island 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.