Hazardous and Detrimental Occupations for Youths

Detrimental Occupations 

are occupations declared by the 

North Carolina Department of Labor 

to be detrimental to the health or wellbeing of the youth.  

Hazardous Occupations 

are occupations declared by the 

United States Department of Labor 

to be hazardous to the health or wellbeing of the youth.

1. Welding, brazing, or torch cutting.  HO 1. Manufacturing or storing explosives
2. Any processes where quartz or any other form of silicon dioxide or asbestos silicate is present in powdered form.HO 2. Driving a motor vehicle or work as an outside helper on motor vehicles
3. Any work involving exposure to lead or any of its compounds in any form.HO 3. Coal mining
4. At any work involving exposure to benzene or any benzene compound that is volatile or can penetrate the skin.HO 4. Occupations in forest fire fighting, forest fire prevention, timber tract, forestry service, and occupations in logging and sawmilling operations
5. Occupations in canneries, seafood and poultry processing that involve cutting or slicing machines, or freezing or packaging activities.HO 5. Power-driven woodworking machines*
6. Any work which involves the risk of falling a distance of 10 feet or more, including ladders and scaffolds.HO 6. Exposure to radioactive substances and ionizing radiation
7. Any work as an electrician or electrician’s helper.HO 7. Power-driven hoisting apparatus
8. Any work in confined spaces.HO 8. Power-driven metal-forming, punching and shearing machines*
9. Occupations requiring the use of respirators.HO 9. Mining, other than coal
 HO 10. Power-driven meat-processing machines, slaughtering and meat packing* plants
 HO 11. Power-driven bakery machines
 HO 12. Balers, compactors, and power-driven paper-products machines*
 HO 13. Manufacturing of brick, tile and related products
 HO 14. Power-driven circular saws, band saws, guillotine shears, chain saws, reciprocating saws, woodchippers, and abrasive cutting discs*
 HO 15. Wrecking, demolition, and ship-breaking operations
 HO 16. Roofing operations and work performed on or about a roof*
 HO 17. Trenching and excavation operations*

Youths working under the supervision of bona fide apprenticeship or student-learner programs, as defined the FLSA, are exempt from the prohibition against employment of youths in detrimental occupations; special work guidelines still apply to these exemptions and a youth employment certificate is still required.

 

Youths can participate in a Supervised Practice Youth Work Based Learning Experience and be employed in the above occupations, if approved by the NC Department of Labor ~ Wage and Hour Bureau, prior to the first day of work.  

*Limited apprenticeship or student learner program exemptions may apply. 

USDOL approval required.