Oklahoma State University - Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
|
Meat-Processing companies need to be aware of child labor laws when hiring student help
(Stillwater, Okla. – May 4, 2009)
Many food companies hire high school students for part-time help to give them experience in the food industry; however, companies need to be aware of specific child labor laws before hiring student help.
The Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center, located on the Oklahoma State University campus, wants to remind meat-processing clients of the child labor laws as they apply to student workers.
“It has been common in the meat industry to use high school students for establishment sanitation,” said Kyle Flynn, FAPC meat pilot plant manager. “A great opportunity for everyone involved, it gives students a job, spending money and the opportunity to join the workforce while giving the company a labor force willing to clean at the end of the day.”
However, the child labor laws limit the sanitation work a student under 18 years of age can provide to meat-processing companies.
Recently, a U.S. Department of Labor official visited an American Association of Meat Processors’ member in response to injury reports, according to the association’s newsletter. Following correct procedures, the processor reported two employees’ minor injuries through workers’ compensation insurance. The injuries occurred in individuals under 18 years old, thus involving the U.S. Department of Labor.
Within Child Labor Bulletin 101 and under the heading Hazardous Occupations, point No. 10 reviews the operation of power-driven meat-processing machines and occupations involving slaughtering, meatpacking or rendering for individuals under the age of 18. The law reads:
“All occupations involved in the operation or feeding of the following power-driven machines, including setting up, adjusting, repairing, oiling or cleaning such machines, regardless of the product being processed by these machines (including, for example, the slicing in a retail delicatessen of meat, poultry, seafood, bread, vegetables or cheese, etc.): meat slicers, meat patty forming machines, meat and bone cutting saws, knives.”
This regulation that was revised and published in July of 1991 means individuals under 18 years of age cannot disassemble, clean, sanitize or reassemble power-driven equipment, which includes parts of the machines, such as blades and grinder plates, Flynn said.
“If you are employing individuals under 18 years old in your meat-processing facility, they can only clean cutting tables, floors and lugs,” Flynn said. “This could limit their usefulness.”
Flynn said he spent his high school years doing this kind of sanitation work in a meat-processing facility.
“It was a good way to earn money, but it appears this is not possible anymore,” Flynn said. “Do not wait for an accident to occur to learn about this regulation as no one wants to have a surprise visit from the U.S. Department of Labor.”
- ### -
CONTACT:
Kyle Flynn
Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center
102 FAPC
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-2375
Fax: 405-744-6313
E-Mail: kyle.flynn@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
