NJSS

Tips

• All prospective workers under the age of 18 must have an employment certificate or working papers for each and every establishment they are working at.
• You can get these at your school or www.nj.gov/labor
• Know what you legally may and may not do.
• Know when you legally may and may not work.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Politely say "no" when asked to do something not allowed or something you do not feel you can safely do.

No worker under the age of 18 may:

• Clean or operate mixing machines, compactors (like trash compactors), or slicing machines.
• Drive a motor vehicle on public streets as part of job (except at age 17, in limited circumstances).
• Drive a forklift or heavy machinery.
• Use power equipment.
• Work in construction (wrecking, demolition, excavation, or roofing).
• Work in logging or saw mill.
• Handle, serve, or sell alcohol.
• Work anywhere with toxic materials or radiation exposure.

If you are 14 or 15 you may not:

• Do any baking or cooking activities.
• Operate power driven machinery.
• Work in an establishment covered by a liquor license.
• Work in dry cleaning or commercial laundry.
• Do building, construction or manufacturing work.
• Load or unload trucks, railroad cars, or conveyors.
• Work on a ladder or scaffold.

Please note age 14 is the minimum for most employment opportunities, except informal jobs like babysitting or yard work.