16- and 17-year-olds can operate amusement park rides, powered lawn equipment

A new law permits 16- and 17-year-olds to operate fixed-site amusement park rides and powered lawn-care equipment under certain conditions.

Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee) and Sen. Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point) sponsor the law that took effect May 28, 2020.

Fixed amusement park rides

Employers are required to meet certain conditions before allowing 16- or 17-year-olds to operate an amusement ride, including training the young employees on:

• the ride’s operating procedures;

• specific duties of assigned positions;

• general safety procedures;

• specific procedures to follow in the event of unusual conditions or an interruption of operations; and

• evacuation plans for the amusement ride.

Other provisions specify that 16- or 17-year-old operators:

• must not operate or load and unload passengers on more than one amusement ride at a time;

• can only operate rides located in a fixed-site amusement park; and

• must be supervised by another employee age 18 or older on the premises.

The 16- and 17-year-olds cannot perform the required daily inspections of amusement rides, and employers must comply with all other applicable child labor laws and laws regulating amusement rides.

Powered lawn-care equipment

Under the law, employers can hire 16- and 17-year-olds to operate lawn-care equipment, such as powered mowers and weed trimmers, provided the young employees:

• undergo training on the equipment;

• are directly employed by a golf course, resort, municipality or rental property owner; and

• use proper safety gear, such as eye and ear protection, boots and safety vests.

HF3720/SF3358*/CH98

SF3358* / HF3720 / CH98