Katherine J. Hall, MC, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Box 354695, Seattle, WA 98195, 206-685-6737, kjhall@u.washington.edu, Darren A. Linker, BS, Center for Ecogenetics and Environmental Health, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE #100, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, and Mary E. Miller, MN, ARNP, Department of Labor and Industries, P.O. Box 44510, Olympia, WA 98504-4510.

Historically, children have been allowed to work in some of our most hazardous occupations. In the early part of the 20th century, child labor reformers used photographs and case studies to highlight these hazards. Yet when child labor regulations were finally enacted in 1938, they exempted children working on family farms, in some small businesses, and in specific occupations such as newspaper delivery and acting. This paper will examine the historic origins of these exclusions, particularly the one for agriculture, which remains the most dangerous industry for young workers, accounting for 42% of their work-related fatalities. This paper will also examine the influence of daily newspapers, which employed many young newsboys, in framing the national debate on child labor in the early 20th century. Newspaper carriers still face risks on the job, particularly from bicycle accidents. Meanwhile, child labor regulations, in general, have not been updated since 1970, while the world of work and its hazards have changed markedly. We will picture and describe the historical times in which the child labor regulations were adopted and last revised, and contrast them with today's conditions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the working conditions of the early 20th century, which gave rise to the child labor movement and the nation’s first child labor regulations.
• Understand the political forces that excluded some classes of teen workers from the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
• Apply this knowledge in the current policy-making arena.

Keywords: Occupational Injury and Death, Youth at Work

Related Web page: students.washington.edu/kjhall/safety+health/child_labor.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.