In Mississippi, there are specific regulations regarding how late 17 year olds are allowed to work. The state has laws in place to ensure minors are not being overworked or missing out on important things like school and rest. Here is a quick overview of how late 17 year olds can work in Mississippi:
Work Hour Restrictions
On school nights (Sunday night through Thursday night), 17 year olds in Mississippi generally cannot work past 10:00 PM. There are some exceptions for jobs like agriculture, but most regular jobs require 17 year olds to be off by 10:00 PM if there is school the next day.
On Friday and Saturday nights when there is no school the next day, 17 year olds can work until midnight in most jobs. Again, there are some exceptions that allow work past midnight.
During the summer when school is not in session, 17 year olds can work up to 9 hours per day and up to 48 hours per week. So they can work later at night during the summer than during the school year.
Break Requirements
If a 17 year old works for more than 5 hours continuously, employers are required to give at least a 30 minute unpaid break. The break must be given no later than the end of the 5th hour worked.
Occupation Restrictions
There are some jobs and tasks that are considered too hazardous for 17 year olds. These restricted occupations include:
- Logging and sawmilling
- Power-driven woodworking machines
- Exposure to radioactive substances
- Power-driven hoisting apparatus like forklifts
- Mining
- Meat processing with power-driven machines
Some exemptions may apply if the 17 year old is part of a school-sponsored work training program. But in general, these types of hazardous occupations are off limits for 17 year olds in Mississippi.
Conclusion
In summary, 17 year olds in Mississippi face restrictions on how late they can work, especially on school nights. The regulations are in place to make sure minors are getting proper rest and not missing school due to work. Employers must follow both federal and Mississippi child labor laws regarding occupational restrictions and work hours for workers under 18 years old.