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Teen Farm Workers: Safety Rules

Teenagers do real work on farms, and they are also at risk of serious injury. This guide covers what to check, who to ask and how to keep young workers safe.

Why are teen farm workers a safety concern?

Teenagers are often strong, eager and capable, and they may also be tired, overconfident or reluctant to speak up. Many jobs on farms involve machinery, animals, chemicals, heights and long days.

NIOSH and other agencies study injuries to young workers in agriculture, and their official pages are the best source of current information.

Keep a written record of training, including the date, the topic and who delivered it. The record helps you see gaps and shows that you took safety seriously.

What rules apply to young workers?

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division sets rules for the employment of young people, including limits on hazardous jobs, hours and ages. Agriculture has its own rules, with exemptions that apply in some situations such as work on a parent's farm.

Rules also vary by state, so confirm with the Department of Labor and your state labor agency. Do not rely on what a neighbor says or on what was allowed in the past.

Pay attention to the first weeks of any job. New workers are at higher risk because they do not yet know the farm. Pair teens with an experienced worker for early tasks.

• Check federal rules with the Department of Labor
• Check your state labor agency
• Ask in writing if unsure
• Keep records of what you were told

What training should a teen receive?

Every young worker should receive training before starting a task, delivered by someone experienced, and should be supervised until the supervisor is satisfied. Training should cover the job, the hazards, the emergency plan and how to stop and ask for help.

Safety organizations and extension programs offer courses for young workers. Ask your county office about what is available.

Check that housing, transportation and meals for young workers who live away from home meet the rules that apply. Ask the Department of Labor.

How do you prevent fatigue and pressure?

Long hours and early mornings affect judgment. Plan breaks, meals and sleep, and make sure teens know they can say they are too tired to continue a task. Fatigue contributes to mistakes with machinery.

Make it clear that no one will be punished for speaking up about an unsafe task or condition. Share what you learn from each season with the next group of young workers, so that lessons are passed on and not lost.

Listen when a teen raises a concern, and fix the problem. A worker who sees action will report the next one.

What equipment and tasks need extra care?

Machinery, grain handling, confined spaces, chemicals, tall structures and large animals are examples of areas where rules and training are especially important. Follow the manufacturer's manual for any equipment, and use OSHA and NIOSH resources for details.

If a task is restricted for young workers, do not assign it, even if the teen says they can handle it.

Hot weather, cold weather and storms add risk for outdoor work. Follow guidance from the National Weather Service and plan breaks accordingly.

What should parents and employers do?

Parents should ask what their teen will do, who will supervise and what training they will receive. Employers should provide clear job descriptions, supervision and protective equipment as appropriate.

Both should talk with the teen about what to do if something feels wrong. Teens who work with livestock, equipment or chemicals should have a clear point of contact for questions, and should know who to call if the supervisor is not nearby.

Ask teens how their work is going, and listen without judgment. A teen who feels able to say that a task frightens them is safer than one who hides it.

What about emergencies and mental health?

Make sure every teen knows the farm address, where the first aid kit is and to call 911 in an emergency. Review the plan at the start of each season.

Farm work can bring stress. In the US, people can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and in an emergency call 911. Encourage teens to talk to a trusted adult.

Remember that agricultural work rules differ from rules for other jobs, and a teen may work for several employers in a year. Check the rules each time the job changes.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.