Factsheet Young Workers

If you are under 15 years old there are places where you can't work

The person that you’re working for must take all practicable steps to ensure that, if you are under 15 years old, you do not work in any area at their workplace while

• Goods are being prepared or made for sale:
• Any construction work is being done:
• Any logging or tree-felling work is being done:
• Any other work is being done in that area that is likely to harm you.

This doesn't apply if at all times you work in the office or in any area used only to sell things.

Under 15 you can't do any work that is likely to hurt you

The person that you’re working for must take all practicable steps to ensure that you are not required to lift any weight or do any task that would be likely to injure your health. Sometimes the person you’re working for will know best what can hurt you and what won't. But, at other times you will know clearly for yourself.

Remember you should stop doing any work that you think is unsafe to yourself or others. Ask your supervisor, or the person that you’re working for, and don't start again until you are sure your work is safe.

Under 15 you can't work with machinery

The person that you’re working for must take all practicable steps to ensure that you don't work or assist with work involving machinery. This includes using or cleaning any machine, powered tool or appliance.

Under 15 you can't drive or ride on tractors or other vehicles

The person that you’re working for must take all practicable steps to ensure that, if you are under 15 years old, while you are in the workplace you do not:

• drive any vehicle; or
• ride on any vehicle while it is towing or is attached to anything; or
• ride on anything towed by or attached to any vehicle. By a "vehicle" we mean any tractor and any self-propelled mobile mechanical plant, other than a car, a truck, a motorcycle, or machinery that weighs 700 kilograms or less.

There is an exemption for young people over the age of 12 doing agricultural work as contractors allowing you to drive or ride tractors, but only if you've been fully trained or are being trained.

Under 16 you can't work at night

If you are under 16 years old, you can't work between 10 pm on any day and 6 am on the next day. The person that you’re working for must ensure you don't, unless this is in accordance with an approved code of practice that is in place. Check with the person you work for or Department of Labour about any codes.

Young people working as contractors

From 1 April 2009, these rules also apply to young people doing contract work. If you're asked to work as a contractor, you should discuss this with an adult and/or the Department of Labour.

Visitors also restricted

Under 15 you're not allowed to be present in a workplace while

• Goods are being prepared or made for sale:
• Any construction work is being done:
• Any logging or tree-felling work is being done:
• Any other work is being done in that area that is likely to harm you.

This doesn't apply where -

• you're in areas where the public generally has access
• you're always under the direct supervision of an adult
• you're in the office or any part of that area used only to sell things.

You may not drive or ride tractors or vehicles like forklifts. There is an exemption for young people over the age of 12 doing agricultural work allowing you to drive or ride tractors, but only if you've been fully trained or are being trained.

If you are unsure about any of your rights at work, visit www.dol.govt.nz or call the Department of Labour on 0800 20 90 20.

This information is a guide only and may not be accurate for all situations. It should not be used as a substitute for legal or other expert advice.

ISBN 978-0-478-28173-6

Know your rights!