WV · hazardous orders for minors
West Virginia 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 West Virginia — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, West Virginia layers 3 additions enforced under West Virginia Code §§ 21-6-1 to 21-6-13 (Child Labor).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- West Virginia additions
- 3
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- Local school superintendent (Work Permit)
- State statute
- West Virginia Code §§ 21-6-1 to 21-6-13 (Child Labor)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in West Virginia
All 17 federal HOs apply in West Virginia by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. West Virginia's own code re-lists 2 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in West Virginia code
- 29 CFR Part 570All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17
- HO-10Operating power-driven meat-processing machines
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
West Virginia additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to West Virginia or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under West Virginia Code §§ 21-6-1 to 21-6-13 (Child Labor) by Local school superintendent (Work Permit).
- Coal mining and underground mining (any minor)WV Code §21-6-2
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionWV Code §21-6-3
- Sale or service of alcohol for minors under 18WV Code §60-3A-25
Where to verify West Virginia's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and West Virginia 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.