TX · hazardous orders for minors
Texas 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 Texas — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Texas layers 2 additions enforced under Texas Labor Code Chapter 51 (§§ 51.001-51.034).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Texas 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
- Texas Labor Code Chapter 51 (§§ 51.001-51.034)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Texas
All 17 federal HOs apply in Texas by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Texas's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Texas code
- 29 CFR Part 570All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17
- HO-7Operating power-driven hoists
- HO-10Operating power-driven meat-processing machines
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
Texas additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Texas or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Texas Labor Code Chapter 51 (§§ 51.001-51.034) by the state labor agency.
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 18 without bonded supervisorTX Labor Code §51.014
- Sexually oriented businesses (any minor)TX Labor Code §51.016
Where to verify Texas's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Texas 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.