Author: Pamela Walaski, CSP, ASSP President 24-25
When we think about child labor, we often view it as a problem in other countries or believe it is something from the distant past in the U.S. However, recent data reflect a rise in child labor, particularly as some U.S. states relax laws governing young workers. That is why we must advocate for their protection. Let’s look at the situation from both a global and U.S. perspective.
The Global Outlook
In 2021, International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that 160 million children were performing labor, with nearly half involved in hazardous work. This represented an increase of 8.4 million children in just 4 years, reversing a decades-long decline in child labor.
According to ILO, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the situation because it pushed more families into poverty, forcing children to work to support their households. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 24% of children are estimated to be involved in child labor. They work long hours, earn low wages and often encounter hazardous conditions. All these factors violate their rights and hinder their age-appropriate development.
The Situation in the U.S.
While child labor is often perceived as a problem in developing countries, it is a growing concern in the U.S. as well. According to State Innovation Exchange, since 2021, nearly 30 states have introduced legislation to weaken child labor protections. Several states, including Arkansas, Iowa and Kentucky, have passed laws that expand how many hours young people are permitted to work; allow them to perform more hazardous jobs; or lower the minimum age for certain types of employment. These changes are often positioned as providing more opportunities for young workers or addressing a labor crisis, yet they also increase the risk of exploitation, injury and illness.
For fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that nearly 5,800 children were employed in violation of the law, an 88% increase since 2019. More alarming is a 26% rise in the number of minors performing hazardous jobs, such as operating meat processing or sawmilling machinery, conducting roofing or demolition tasks, or performing trenching and excavation work. This growing problem demands our attention and action.
Our Role as Safety Professionals
ASSP recently issued a strong position statement opposing all forms of exploitative child labor practices, which you can view at www.assp.org/position-statements. We have also discussed this topic with leaders at OSHA, NIOSH and other federal agencies, all of whom recognize the need for additional action.
It is important to note that ASSP supports reasonable approaches to young people working and realizing the benefits and responsibilities of doing so. We recognize that working is an important part of an individual’s maturation process. Our position is not meant to oppose young people working appropriate hours, for fair wages or in settings such as a family farm.
The position statement further emphasizes our vision that safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of all workers—including young workers. It aligns with the broader goal that every worker returns home safe at the end of the day. As safety professionals, we can do even more by taking these steps:
Our Call to Action
Child labor is a complex issue, deeply rooted in economic and social inequalities. We can make a difference by sharing our position statement and striving to take the steps I have outlined here.
ASSP’s vision states that safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of all workers, regardless of age. Together, we can work toward a future where no child must sacrifice their childhood simply to survive.
When we think about child labor, we often view it as a problem in other countries or believe it is something from the distant past in the U.S. However, recent data reflect a rise in child labor, particularly as some U.S. states relax laws governing young workers. That is why we must advocate for their protection. Let’s look at the situation from both a global and U.S. perspective.
The Global Outlook
In 2021, International Labor Organization (ILO) estimated that 160 million children were performing labor, with nearly half involved in hazardous work. This represented an increase of 8.4 million children in just 4 years, reversing a decades-long decline in child labor.
According to ILO, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the situation because it pushed more families into poverty, forcing children to work to support their households. In regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 24% of children are estimated to be involved in child labor. They work long hours, earn low wages and often encounter hazardous conditions. All these factors violate their rights and hinder their age-appropriate development.
The Situation in the U.S.
While child labor is often perceived as a problem in developing countries, it is a growing concern in the U.S. as well. According to State Innovation Exchange, since 2021, nearly 30 states have introduced legislation to weaken child labor protections. Several states, including Arkansas, Iowa and Kentucky, have passed laws that expand how many hours young people are permitted to work; allow them to perform more hazardous jobs; or lower the minimum age for certain types of employment. These changes are often positioned as providing more opportunities for young workers or addressing a labor crisis, yet they also increase the risk of exploitation, injury and illness.
For fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that nearly 5,800 children were employed in violation of the law, an 88% increase since 2019. More alarming is a 26% rise in the number of minors performing hazardous jobs, such as operating meat processing or sawmilling machinery, conducting roofing or demolition tasks, or performing trenching and excavation work. This growing problem demands our attention and action.
Our Role as Safety Professionals
ASSP recently issued a strong position statement opposing all forms of exploitative child labor practices, which you can view at www.assp.org/position-statements. We have also discussed this topic with leaders at OSHA, NIOSH and other federal agencies, all of whom recognize the need for additional action.
It is important to note that ASSP supports reasonable approaches to young people working and realizing the benefits and responsibilities of doing so. We recognize that working is an important part of an individual’s maturation process. Our position is not meant to oppose young people working appropriate hours, for fair wages or in settings such as a family farm.
The position statement further emphasizes our vision that safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of all workers—including young workers. It aligns with the broader goal that every worker returns home safe at the end of the day. As safety professionals, we can do even more by taking these steps:
- Raise awareness. Share data, stories and resources about the impact of child labor to help educate key stakeholders.
- Champion stronger laws. Advocate for stronger child labor laws and oppose efforts to weaken existing protections.
- Promote safe workplaces. Help employers develop age-appropriate training, ensure proper supervision and enforce safety standards to better protect young workers from harm.
- Promote ethical practices. Advocate for responsible supply chain practices that ensure child labor is not used in the production of goods and services.
Our Call to Action
Child labor is a complex issue, deeply rooted in economic and social inequalities. We can make a difference by sharing our position statement and striving to take the steps I have outlined here.
ASSP’s vision states that safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of all workers, regardless of age. Together, we can work toward a future where no child must sacrifice their childhood simply to survive.
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