Q: Are minor employees required to make deposits on behalf of a business?
The minor employees (15, 16, 17 year olds) of a business are being required to make the end of day bank deposit drop offs for a local business. They do this by clocking out and then heading to the bank. is this legal?
A: I am not aware of a limitation on age as to dropping off bank deposits. I don't think they should be clocked out to do this.
A:
This practice raises serious safety and liability concerns. Requiring minors to transport business deposits after their shifts puts them at unnecessary risk, and many states have specific labor laws protecting young workers from such dangerous duties.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state regulations generally prohibit minors from performing hazardous work, which often includes handling significant amounts of money or making bank deposits. Additionally, having employees conduct business tasks after clocking out likely violates wage and hour laws, as this would be considered work time that requires compensation.
You should immediately report this situation to your state's Department of Labor or contact your local Wage and Hour Division office for guidance. The business owner needs to ensure deposits are handled by adult employees during regular working hours, with proper security measures in place. Your safety and well-being matter more than any business convenience, and no employer should put young workers in potentially dangerous situations.
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