Orlando Construction Company Violates Federal Child Labor Law By Allowing Minor to Work in Hazardous Occupation

ORLANDO, FL – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has determined Orlando-based construction company GMH Construction Inc. violated child labor and recordkeeping requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). As a result, WHD issued the company $3,530 in civil money penalties.

WHD investigators found that GMH Construction Inc. violated federal law when it allowed a 16-year-old employee to operate a man lift and a grinder for cutting metal and concrete, both occupations declared hazardous for minors, and prohibited for employees less than 18 years old under the FLSA. The employer also failed to maintain proof of age for the minor, resulting in the recordkeeping violation.

"Protecting young employees is a priority for the U.S. Department of Labor," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Daniel White, in Jacksonville. "Companies that employ minors must be aware of the special rules that apply to workers less than 18 years old. We encourage all employers to contact us with any questions they may have, and to use the wide variety of tools we offer to help them understand their obligations and to comply with the law."

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd.