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WI · hazardous orders for minors

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Wisconsin layers 2 additions enforced under Wisconsin Statutes §§ 103.64-103.82 (Employment of Minors).

Quick facts

Federal HOs
17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
Wisconsin additions
2
Min age for HO work
18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
Enforced by
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
State statute
Wisconsin Statutes §§ 103.64-103.82 (Employment of Minors)
Last verified

Federal hazardous orders that apply in Wisconsin

All 17 federal HOs apply in Wisconsin by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Wisconsin's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.

Re-listed in Wisconsin 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 →

Wisconsin additions on top of the federal floor

These prohibitions are unique to Wisconsin or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Wisconsin Statutes §§ 103.64-103.82 (Employment of Minors) by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

  • Door-to-door sales for minors under 16 without adult supervisionWis. Stat. §103.23
  • Selling alcohol on premises licensed for sale (under 18)Wis. Stat. §125.07(3)

Where to verify Wisconsin's hazardous-orders enforcement

When the FLSA federal floor and Wisconsin 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.