Northern Wisconsin sawmill fined nearly $200K following death of a teen this summer

A Report on Child Labor Violations at Florence Hardwoods Sawmill

Introduction

A northern Wisconsin sawmill, Florence Hardwoods, has been fined nearly $200,000 and is required to comply with child labor laws following a tragic accident that resulted in the death of a 16-year-old boy. The U.S. Department of Labor conducted an investigation into the incident and obtained a federal court order against the company. This report highlights the violations found at Florence Hardwoods and emphasizes the importance of adhering to child labor laws in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Findings

1. Incident Details:
   • On June 29, teenager Michael Schuls was fatally injured while working at Florence Hardwoods.
   • Schuls was pinned in a wood-stacking machine and succumbed to his injuries two days later.
2. Violations:
   • Florence Hardwoods allowed underage workers to operate dangerous machinery in violation of federal child labor laws.
   • Between November 2021 and March 2023, three other children aged 15 and 16 were injured while working for the company.
   • One of these children was injured on two separate occasions.
   • Nine underage workers between the ages of 14 and 17 were illegally employed by Florence Hardwoods.
   • Seven of these underage workers were allowed to work outside legally permitted hours.

Actions Taken

• Federal Court Order:
  • The court order mandates Florence Hardwoods to use signage to prevent minors from using dangerous equipment or entering certain areas of the sawmill.
  • The company is prohibited from hiring anyone under the age of 16.
  • If Florence Hardwoods hires anyone between the ages of 16 and 18, they must inform the labor department.
• Termination of Underage Employees:
  • Florence Hardwoods terminated all employees under the age of 18 following Schuls’ death.
  • The court verified that the company no longer employs anyone younger than 18.

Importance of Child Labor Laws

The case at Florence Hardwoods underscores the significance of adhering to child labor laws in line with the SDGs. Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasizes that any death of a child is unacceptable, and the department is committed to preventing illegal child labor. The federal government has implemented measures, including the Interagency Task Force To Combat Child Labor Exploitation, to ensure the protection of children in workplaces across the country.

Impact on Supply Chains

The U.S. Labor Department notified two of Florence Hardwoods’ customers about possible “hot goods” resulting from child labor violations. These customers agreed not to deliver the products until legal matters were resolved. Federal law prohibits companies from shipping products within 30 days after a child labor violation. After Florence Hardwoods agreed to pay fines and comply with the court order, the labor department lifted its objection to the shipment of goods.

State and National Trends

Child labor complaints have increased significantly in Wisconsin, with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Equal Rights Division reporting a quadrupling of complaints from 2018 to 2022. Nationally, the U.S. Labor Department has seen a 69 percent increase in cases of illegal child employment. It is crucial to continue investigating child labor violations at the federal level to prevent companies from profiting off illegal child labor.

Conclusion

The violations at Florence Hardwoods highlight the need for strict adherence to child labor laws and the promotion of safe working conditions for minors. The company’s cooperation with the Labor Department’s investigation and commitment to preventing future violations are commendable. By enforcing child labor laws and promoting the SDGs, we can ensure the protection and well-being of children in the workplace.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. 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.
   • Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.

2. 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.
   • Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The article addresses the issue of child labor in a sawmill, which is a violation of child labor laws. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote decent work and economic growth. The article highlights the need to eradicate forced labor and eliminate the worst forms of child labor, as stated in Target 8.7 of SDG 8. The article mentions that Florence Hardwoods allowed underage workers to operate machinery and work outside legally permitted hours, which are examples of the worst forms of child labor.

   The article also mentions that the U.S. Department of Labor secured a federal court order against Florence Hardwoods, indicating that legal measures are being taken to address the issue and hold the company accountable. This demonstrates efforts to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, as stated in Target 8.7.

   The article does not provide specific data on the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor, so it does not directly mention the indicator 8.7.1. However, it does mention that at least three other children were injured working for Florence Hardwoods, indicating the presence of child labor in the company.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   The article indirectly relates to SDG 4, which focuses on quality education. While the main focus of the article is on child labor, it mentions that lawmakers in 14 states, including Wisconsin, have proposed rolling back child labor laws. This suggests a potential impact on the education and skills development of young people.

   Target 4.4 of SDG 4 aims to increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment. The article does not directly address this target, but it highlights the importance of following child labor laws and preventing children from performing hazardous jobs. By ensuring that children are not engaged in dangerous work, there is a greater opportunity for them to pursue education and develop relevant skills for future employment.

   The article does not provide specific data on ICT skills or any other indicators related to SDG 4.

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: wpr.org

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