Ohio Painting Company Fined for Hazardous Employment of Minors

Ohio Painting Company Fined for Hazardous Employment of Minors

Neubert Painting Inc. allowed underage workers to work on customers’ roofs.

  • By Robert Yaniz Jr.
  • Apr 05, 2024

A painting company in Ohio has been penalized $30,276 for employing two 17-year-old minors to paint houses, in violation of child labor laws. 

According to a recent release, the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Wage and Hour Division found that the Brook Park, Ohio-based Neubert Painting Inc. and its owner John Neubert breached the Fair Labor Standards Act's child labor provisions during the summers of 2021 and 2022. 

The DOL investigation revealed the company assigned minors to work from clients’ roofs to paint multi-story homes, a task which is considered hazardous work for individuals under 18 years old. Hazardous Order 16 prohibits minors from most jobs in roofing operations, including tasks performed on or about a roof.

“Employers must be acutely aware of the restrictions that apply to any workers under the age of 18,” Wage and Hour District Director Matthew Utley in Columbus, Ohio, said in a statement. “Work that involves children on roofs is inherently dangerous. Employers who violate federal child labor laws jeopardize the lives and health of children and risk large fines and penalties.”

The penalties for child labor law violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act were increased to as much as $15,629 per violation as of January 2024. In addition to the child labor violations, investigators discovered Neubert Painting Inc. failed to maintain accurate payroll records.

In February 2023, the DOL established an Interagency Task Force to protect underage workers from exploitative situations. In fiscal year 2023, investigators found child labor violations in 955 cases and assessed employers with over $8 million in penalties.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

Product Showcase

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. 3

  • Glove Guard® Clip

    Safety should never be compromised, especially when it comes to proper glove usage. The Glove Guard® clip enhances safety by encouraging employees to keep their gloves with them at all times. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. By ensuring everyone has their gloves readily available, we help promote a culture of safety and efficiency. The Glove Guard® clip is designed to withstand the toughest work environments. Constructed from robust materials made in the USA, it can endure extreme conditions, including harsh weather, and rigorous activities. 3

  • Magid® D-ROC® GPD412 21G Ultra-Thin Polyurethane Palm Coated Work Gloves

    Magid’s 21G line is more than just a 21-gauge glove, it’s a revolutionary knitting technology paired with an advanced selection of innovative fibers to create the ultimate in lightweight cut protection. The latest offering in our 21G line provides ANSI A4 cut resistance with unparalleled dexterity and extreme comfort that no other 21-gauge glove on the market can offer! 3

Featured

Most   Popular