Rhode Island Child Labor Laws
In 1857, Rhode Island became one of the first states to enact a Child Labor Law. As part of that law, those under the age of 12 were not allowed to work in manufacturing more than 11 hours per day. Also, children were not allowed to work in manufacturing unless they had attended at least three months of school in the previous year.
Child Labor Laws in Rhode Island For Minors Under 14
Rhode Island Child Labor Law is administered by the Labor Standards Unit. Minors under the age of 14 are not permitted to work. There are some exceptions, however. They may work in door-to-door sales, nonhazardous agriculture jobs and entertainment.
Child Labor Laws in Rhode Island For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
Minors 14 and 15 years of age may work in certain jobs with a work permit. Suitable jobs for all minors 14 to 17 include:
- Advertising
- Cooking, Food Preparation, Wait Staff
- Environmental Services
- Delivery
- Retail/Grocery Bagging
- Grounds-keeping
- Office/Administrative/Clerical Work
- Price-marking
They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
They may not work in the Hazardous Occupations listed below which prohibit all minors under 18.
Rhode Island Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- A maximum of eight hours on non-school days
- A maximum of 18 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 7pm
- Must be off at least eight hours before returning to work
When public school is not in session:
- No more than eight hours per day
- A maximum of 40 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 9pm between June 1st and Labor Day
- Must be off at least eight hours before returning to work
Child Labor Laws in Rhode Island For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
Minors 16 and 17 years old may work in the variety of jobs listed above for 14 to 17, with an age verification certificate but do not need a work permit.
They may not work in establishments which sell or serve alcohol for consumption.
They may not work in the following Hazardous Occupations which prohibit all minors under 18:
- Work with Power-Driven Machinery
- Scaffolding
- Explosives
- Logging
- Mining
- Demolition
- Roofing
- Excavation
- Manufacturing
Rhode Island Child Labor Law details the restrictions for this age group as follows:
When public school is in session:
- No working during school hours
- No more than three hours on school days
- No more than nine hours per day on non-school days
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 11:30pm
- No earlier than 6 a.m. or later than 1:30am on non-school nights
- Must be off at least eight hours before returning to work
When public school is not in session:
- No more than nine hours per day
- A maximum of 48 hours per week
- A maximum of six days per week
- During school breaks, no hours limitation
- Must be off at least eight hours before returning to work
