I am thinking of hiring another person, mainly to do rough out work clean up etc. A kid from a local high school has expressed interest and I'm inclined to give him a shot. My question is: Have any of you ever hired someone under 18? The guy is 17 and I'm not sure of any particular liabilities I may have. Any help would be appreciated.

From the Texas Workforce Commission's Website:

Call TWC’s Labor Law Department about child labor or payday law 800-832-9243 (in Texas only) or 512-475-2670 (Austin area and out-of-state).

Might be a good place to start just to cover yourself. Good luck with the new hire...

Hiring someone under age in a hazardous work area can get you in trouble alone. Having them running saws is really asking for it. I would only hire someone under age after hours when there was no machinery running and no chemicals were airborne, just for clean up.

Maybe run the planer too? And help with assembly. I guess I need to figure out if I can give him enough hours and still keep him away from the table saw jointer and bandsaw...

And to think...this used to be the path to a young man's career...working in a shop in his teens to learn the ropes (apprentice) and build his skills.

I get being wary of all the laws though.

When I was in business I frequently hired teens for weekend and after school work. It involved lifting at least 50 lbs but no running of machinery.

I was amply rewarded with the work they accomplished.

I am all for teen working.

When I was 15 years old I was working 31 hours a week running movie projectors at a local theater. There was some danger as I had to change carbon rods on 250 volt DC carbon arc light sources. Just do not forget to turn off the power first.

George

Thankyou Pete! That's what I'm saying. I have been lucky enough to be able to train under some of our country's true masters. Now I want to be able to pass on some of that knowledge and a lot of passion but I'm scared of being sued. Sucks. Frankly I think I'm going to do it anyway. It's what I wanted someone to do for me and they did. Who am I if I don't pass it on?