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Young workers might be new to the job market, but they still have the right to work in a safe environment. It’s the law. As an employer, you are required to provide a workplace that is free of hazards and to follow all state and federal safety standards.
Workers’ compensation insurance.
Employers must purchase workers’ compensation insurance for their employees to cover any work-related injuries or illnesses. Montana State Fund is the largest workers’ compensation insurer in the state, but you have the option to purchase workers’ compensation insurance from other private companies.
In the event of an injury. No matter which insurance company covers you, your workers should always take these steps in the event of an accident.
• Get proper medical attention
• Immediately tell his or her supervisor
• With the help of the supervisor, fill out a First Report of Injury Form within 24 hours of the accident. Learn more>>
More workplace rights for young workers.
Workers 16 and older may work in any job or occupation that has not been declared hazardous by the Montana Department of Labor. These jobs, work environments and equipment uses fall under the hazardous category, and can’t be legally performed by anyone under the age of 18.
- Manufacturing and storing of explosives
- Driving a motor vehicle and being an outside helper on a motor vehicle
- Coal mining
- Logging and sawmilling
- Mining, other than coal mining
- Slaughtering, meat packing, processing or rendering (including the use of power-driven meat slicing machines)
- Manufacturing brick, tile and related products
- Wrecking, demolition and shipbreaking operations
- Roofing operations
- Excavation operation
- Power-driven woodworking machines
- Exposure to radioactive substances
- Power-driven hoisting apparatus
- Power-driven metal-forming, punching and shearing machines
- Power-driven bakery machines
- Power-driven paper-product machines
- Power-driven circular saws, band saws and guillotine shears
When a worker turns 18, he or she may work at most jobs, with some exceptions. Check with the Montana Department of Labor at 406-444-5600 to learn more.
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