Children in the Workplace

The Question of the Month is provided by Zywave®, a company wholly independent from Federated Insurance. Federated provides its clients access to this information through the Federated Employment Practices Network with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or employment advice. As such, Federated does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the information herein. This information may be subject to restrictions and regulation in your state. Consult with your own qualified legal counsel regarding your specific facts and circumstances.

Question

Summer camps are coming to a close, and school is starting soon. We have employees requesting to bring their children to work during the school year when they have random days off from school. Is this a bad idea? What are some risks of having children in the workplace?

Answer

As a general matter, the presence of children in the workplace may not be conducive to a productive and safe work environment. Some risks of having children in the workplace may include, but are not limited to:

• Injury from a physical aspect in the workplace (e.g., paper shredders, boxes falling or standing on swivel chairs);
• Injury to an employee who trips over objects a child places on the floor, or even from tripping over the child;
• Distractions that prevent an employee’s full concentration on the job, thus affecting productivity or service; and
• Additional responsibilities during emergency evacuations or other actions.

That said, employers may wish to allow children in the workplace under limited circumstances, such as for approved events like a “Take Your Child to Work Day” or during emergency situations. Whether employers wish to allow children in the workplace or not, they are strongly encouraged to consult with local counsel to draft a clear policy outlining if and when children are allowed in the workplace, along with any applicable notice or other procedural requirements. Legal consultation may help ensure compliance with all applicable laws while minimizing any risks posed to children, employees and the workplace in general.