For countless young people in Las Vegas, getting that first after-school job is a rite of passage. With some extra spending money coming in, they won’t have to rely so much on Mom and Dad to pay for such luxuries as their cellphone and clothes, and they could be using a portion of their paycheck to save for something important, such as a car or college tuition. However, if you run a business where teenagers work, it is even more important to understand that there are different employment laws for minors in Nevada. Disregarding or being ignorant of these laws can land you in legal hot water.
How can you comply with these laws while allowing a young person to gain work experience? State regulations for employing minors under the age of 16 are outlined in the Nevada State Legislature’s website. The rules are relatively straightforward and follow common sense. For example, teenagers should not be overworked, especially during the school year. Therefore, children under the age of 16 are not permitted to work more than 48 hours a week or longer than eight hours in one day. Also, certain industries or positions are off-limits for those under 16. These include companies that produce tobacco or alcohol products, as well as other hazardous or poisonous substances. Positions selling “immoral goods” or working with large, dangerous machinery are also prohibited.
If you employ teenagers, looking out for their well-being is important. You stand a better chance of protecting your business’s interests and avoiding legal issues by following the law when it comes to employing minors. Since the information in this blog is general and meant for informational purposes, it should not be substituted for the advice of a lawyer.
