The role of EHS professionals in ending child labor

While child labor is a problem for many people outside the United States, it also occurs here. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that nearly 5,800 children were employed in violation of the law.

This corresponds to an increase of 88% since 1999.

“More concerning is the 26% increase in the proportion of minors doing dangerous work, such as operating meat processing or sawmill machinery, carrying out roofing or demolition work, or carrying out trenching and excavation work,” he explains Pamela Walaski, President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), in a recent letter.

This is an issue that security professionals need to address, says Walaski, noting that ASSP recently issued a strong statement against all forms of exploitative child labor practices.

On March 26, 2024, he made the following statement:

ASSP rejects all forms of exploitative child labor practices. We call on government agencies and nongovernmental organizations to combat exploitative child labor practices in the United States and around the world.

As part of this position, ASSP strongly supports:

• Regulations and laws in the United States and other countries that prohibit and prevent exploitative child labor practices.
• Specific language in applicable global standards that opposes and facilitates the prevention of exploitative child labor practices.
• Action by our members and occupational safety and health experts at the global level to establish and implement programs to prohibit exploitative child labor practices.

To address this issue, ASSP recommends EHS professionals take the following actions:

Raising awareness. Share data, stories, and resources about the impacts of child labor to help educate key stakeholders.

Advocate for stricter laws. Advocate for stricter child labor laws and oppose efforts to weaken existing protections.

Promote safe workplaces. Help employers develop age-appropriate training, ensure proper supervision, and enforce safety standards to better protect young workers from hazards.

Promote ethical practices. Advocate for responsible supply chain practices that ensure child labor is not used in the production of goods and services.