Child Labor Violation Leads to Teen’s Death

A Tennessee contractor involved in the fatal fall of a teenage worker violated child labor laws, according to the Department of Labor. The contractor allowed the teen to perform roofing activities and ride on a power-driven hoisting apparatus, both of which are banned activities for minors.

A 16-year-old boy was doing roof construction on top of an 11-story hotel when he fell to his death after attempting to jump onto a power-driven hoisting device next to the building.

He missed the platform, slipped through a gap between the scaffolding and building and fell about 160 feet, according to a DOL news release.

No Roofing Activities for Minors

An investigation by the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division found Stover and Sons Contractors violated two hazardous occupation orders of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act banning employers from allowing minors to perform roofing activities or operate or ride on power-driven hoists.

The contractor was assessed a civil penalty of $122,364. Tennessee OSHA also issued citations, and Stover and Sons is currently contesting the penalties.

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