Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators GACE Practice Test

Who is generally responsible for ensuring compliance with federal child labor laws?

1. Federal Government

2. Local Government

3. Parents

4. Employer

The correct answer is: Employer

The employer holds the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with federal child labor laws. This legal obligation involves understanding and adhering to the regulations set forth by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which specifies permissible work hours, types of jobs, and conditions under which minors can be employed. Employers must implement practices that prevent violations, such as maintaining accurate records of the working hours of minors and ensuring safe working environments that comply with the standards established by federal law. While the federal government establishes the laws and local authorities may enforce regulations through inspections and oversight, it is ultimately the responsibility of the employer to comply with these laws actively. Parents, while they may guide their children regarding work choices, do not have the legal responsibility to enforce compliance with labor laws within a business context. The direct interaction between the employer and the working environment makes the employer the key player in this compliance landscape.