Child operated forklift at Kentucky warehouse, federal officials say
Child operated forklift at Kentucky warehouse, federal officials say KIRO Seattle
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Operator of Kentucky Warehouse Ordered to Stop Employing Children
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HEBRON, Ky. — The operator of a northern Kentucky warehouse and distribution center has been ordered to stop employing children — including one who operated a forklift — and not to violate federal child labor laws, federal officials said last month.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Background
- On October 13, the U.S. Department of Labor released a news article stating that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky has cited Win.IT America for illegal employment of children.
- Win.IT America, based in Hebron, Kentucky, employed two children aged 11 and 13 at its distribution center for several months.
- The violations included employing one child to operate a forklift and another to pick up orders in the warehouse.
- Both children were employed for more hours than legally allowed and the company violated federal regulations prohibiting the employment of workers under the age of 14 in non-agricultural occupations.
Penalties and Actions Taken
- The court ordered Win.IT America to pay $30,276 in penalties.
- The company is required to hire a third-party consultant to provide semiannual training for the company’s management for three years.
About Win.IT America
Win.IT America is the U.S. branch of WinIT Information Technology Co., a China-based integrated supply chain solutions provider headquartered in Shanghai.
The company employs over 700 workers in the United States, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, according to the Department of Labor.
Statement from Department of Labor
“Businesses must comply with the federal child labor regulations,” said Tremelle Howard, regional solicitor for the Department of Labor’s Atlanta regional office. “Federal law ensures young workers can benefit by gaining valuable work experience without endangering their safety or hampering their education.
“When we find child labor violations, the Department of Labor will not hesitate to use all enforcement tools available to compel compliance, including stopping the shipment of goods created and produced while the business was breaking the law to do so.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 4: Quality Education
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
- SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Number of children employed illegally
- Number of hours worked by child employees
- Number of child employees engaged in hazardous work (e.g., operating a forklift)
- Amount of penalties imposed on the company
- Engagement of a third-party consultant for training
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. |
|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. |
|
The article highlights the illegal employment of children, including their engagement in hazardous work such as operating a forklift. These issues are connected to SDG 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth. Specifically, Target 8.7 aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article, such as the number of children employed illegally, the number of hours worked by child employees, and the presence of child employees engaged in hazardous work, can be used to measure progress towards this target.
Additionally, SDG 4, which focuses on quality education, is relevant to the article. Target 4.4 aims to increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment. The indicators mentioned in the article, such as the number of children employed illegally and the number of hours worked by child employees, can also be used to measure progress towards this target. Furthermore, the engagement of a third-party consultant for training can be seen as a step towards providing relevant skills to employees.
Overall, addressing child labor and ensuring quality education are crucial for sustainable development, and these SDGs and targets provide a framework for monitoring progress and taking necessary actions.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: kiro7.com
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