Department Urges Workplace Safety For Teens As Summer Work Begins

Jun. 13, 2018
No. 18-26

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska's summer hiring season has arrived, and the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is encouraging employers to focus on providing safe workplaces for young workers. Free monthly seminars are available to employers at all three Alaska Wage and Hour Administration office locations.

"We want to ensure that youth are in age-appropriate jobs," Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas said. "We are also asking employers to focus on providing safety training to keep workplaces safe for Alaska's teens."

Some child labor rules may not be well known, such as specific rules for minors working in the construction, transportation, and restaurant industries. A summary of Alaska child labor laws is available online to help teens increase their chances of obtaining an appropriate summer job.

A primary area of concern for minors is the commercial fishing and charter boat industries. Boating is a "No-Go Zone" for minors under the age of 16 years, with the exception of businesses or boats owned and operated by the parent of the minor.

"A department-approved work permit is required before a minor begins employment," says Joy Hartlieb, a child labor investigator for the Alaska Wage and Hour Administration. "Both the employer and the teen fill out a portion of the work permit, which is then approved by the Wage and Hour Administration, either in person, email, or by fax." Work permit applications are available on the department's website.

For additional information, please contact your local Wage and Hour Administration:
Anchorage (907) 269-4900
Fairbanks (907) 451-2886
Juneau (907) 465-4842
E-mail: Statewide.WageHour@alaska.gov

###