Iowa’s new law removes state prohibition on hazardous child labor, directly contradicting federal law

Previously prohibited hazardous work Federal standard (and previous Iowa state standard) Age at which new Iowa law allows hazardous work
Laundering using machines with capacity of 10 or more cubic feet or designed to reach internal temperatures over 212 degrees Fahrenheit Not permitted for 14 or 15-year-olds (29 CFR 570.34) 14
Loading and unloading equipment into motor vehicles including:

  • Equipment or retail items weighing up to 30–50 lbs.
  • Power-driven lawn machines
Prohibited as hazardous if under 16 (29 CFR 570.33(k) and 570.34(k)) 15, with a waiver from state agency
Light assembly work Prohibited as hazardous if under 16 (29 CFR 570.33) 15, with a waiver from state agency
Light assembly work in or about facilities manufacturing or storing explosives or articles containing explosive elements Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 1) 16
Commercial motor vehicle driver and helper Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 2) 16
Previously prohibited hazardous work allowed in new Iowa law if approved as a “work-based learning” or “school or employer-administered, work-related program” at the discretion of state agencies Federal standard (and previous Iowa state standard) Age at which new Iowa law allows hazardous work
Operation of power-driven woodworking machines Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 5)* 16, if approved by state agency
Operation of elevators and other power-driven hoisting apparatus Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 7) 16, if approved by state agency
Operation of power-driven metal forming, punching, and shearing machines Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 8)* 16, if approved by state agency
Operation of power-driven bakery machines Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 11) 16, if approved by state agency
Operation of power-driven paper products machines (e.g., balers and compactors) Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 12)*† 16, if approved by state agency
Manufacturing of brick, tile, and related products Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 13) 16, if approved by state agency
Operation of circular saws, band saws, and guillotine shears Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 14)* 16, if approved by state agency
Wrecking, demolition, and shipbreaking operations Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 15) 16, if approved by state agency
Roofing operations Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 16)* 16, if approved by state agency
Excavation Prohibited as hazardous if under 18 (HO 17)* 16, if approved by state agency

Notes: *Federal law allows 16–17-year-olds to perform certain types of intermittent work in these occupations only when enrolled in a bona fide registered apprenticeship program meeting certain stringent standards: 29 CFR 570.50(b)

†Federal law allows 16–17-year-olds to load (but not operate or unload) balers only if certain specific safety requirements are met: DOL Wage and Hour Division Fact Sheet #57

Source: EPI analysis of state and federal child labor laws.

View the underlying data on epi.org.