Safe on the farm? proposed federal law would limit work done by youths
January 20, 2012
The U.S. Department of Labor is recommending that farm workers younger than 16 be prohibited from operating most power-driven equipment; participating in the production of tobacco; helping with certain tasks involving animals including branding, breeding and herding; working at elevations greater than 6 feet; helping with demolition, construction or excavation; and working in silos and feed lots.
“There is a shortage of vets coming up in the future, especially large animal veterinarians,” Manitowoc County University of Wisconsin-Extension Dairy Agent Scott Gunderson said. “We need dairy nutritionists. We need crop consultants. We need farmers. The list is quite endless, especially as baby boomers retire. Where do we get people interested in ag if we can’t let them work on a farm?”
The proposed regulations would not apply to children working on farms owned by their parents. Some exemptions also apply to student learners.
Filed under: Agriculture and Natural Resources