Wisconsin sawmill operator agrees to follow federal child labor laws after teen accident death | The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids
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U.S. Department of Labor Penalizes Sawmill Operator for Violating Child Labor Laws
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced penalties for sawmill operator Florence Hardwoods LLC and has ordered the company to comply with federal child labor laws following the tragic death of a teenager at one of its mills.
Background
In July, 16-year-old Michael Schuls lost his life after being entangled in a wood stacking machine at the mill, according to The Associated Press. State and federal labor agencies conducted investigations to determine if workplace safety or child labor laws were violated. However, it was found that Wisconsin law permits teens aged 16 and older to work in mills like the one where Schuls was employed.
Penalties and Order
Florence Hardwoods has been ordered to refrain from hiring minors under the age of 16 or to adhere to strict requirements set by federal labor standards, as stated in the order signed by a judge. Additionally, the DOL invoked the “hot goods” provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which prohibits companies from shipping products made while violating child labor laws.
To lift the objection to shipment of “hot goods,” the company has agreed to pay $190,696 in civil penalties. These penalties are related to violations involving the employment of four minors aged 14 and 15, who worked outside of the hours permitted by federal labor laws. The DOL’s investigation revealed that seven children between these ages had worked outside of legal hours.
Previous Incidents
DOL officials reported that three children between the ages of 15 and 16 were injured at the sawmill in November 2021, July 2022, and March 2023. One child was injured on two separate occasions. According to the DOL order, Florence Hardwoods had hired nine children aged 14 to 17 to operate machines such as a chop saw, rip saw, and automated lumber processing machines illegally.
Compliance Measures
In response to the court’s judgment, Florence Hardwoods has agreed to implement measures to prevent further violations. These measures include placing signage, conducting audits, labeling machinery, and providing child labor fact sheets to its employees.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This case highlights the urgency for the Department of Labor to utilize its resources in combating child labor, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs aim to end child labor in all its forms by 2025, as part of Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The DOL’s actions in holding Florence Hardwoods accountable for allowing children to perform hazardous and deadly jobs demonstrate the commitment to eradicating illegal child labor.
“This tragic case illustrates just how vital and urgent it is that the Department of Labor uses every tool at our disposal to combat child labor. Any death of a child is too many. That’s why our Wage and Hour Division and Solicitor’s Office took immediate steps to prevent the sale of ‘hot goods’ and to hold the company accountable for allowing children to perform hazardous and, in this case, deadly jobs. Illegal child labor is a stain on this country and will not be tolerated by this administration or this department,” said Julie Su, the acting secretary of labor, in a news release.
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 | – The company was ordered not to hire minors under the age of 16 or else follow strict requirements set by federal labor standards. – The company agreed to pay civil penalties related to violations for employing minors outside legal hours permitted by federal labor laws. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment | – Three children between the ages of 15 and 16 were injured at the sawmill, indicating unsafe working environments. – The company agreed to take measures to prevent further violations, including auditing and labeling machinery and providing child labor fact sheets to employees. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – The company was found to have employed minors in hazardous jobs, resulting in injuries and a death. – The Department of Labor took immediate steps to prevent the sale of “hot goods” and hold the company accountable for allowing children to perform hazardous jobs. |
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Source: dailyreporter.com
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