Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

What is true regarding the employment of minors aged 14 and 15 at construction sites?

1. They may work with supervision

2. They can work at construction sites

3. They cannot work where power-driven machinery is being used

4. They must have a work permit to work on any site

The correct answer is: They cannot work where power-driven machinery is being used

The correct assertion regarding the employment of minors aged 14 and 15 at construction sites is that they cannot work where power-driven machinery is being used. The reason for this regulation is primarily centered around safety concerns. At such a young age, minors lack the necessary physical strength, training, and experience to operate or be around potentially dangerous machinery that could cause serious injuries. Labor laws are established to protect young workers from hazardous conditions, and the restrictions on their involvement with power-driven equipment reflect this commitment to workplace safety. While there are allowances for minors to work in some capacities at construction sites under specific conditions—such as having supervision or obtaining work permits—these elements do not change the fundamental restriction on their exposure to power-driven machinery, which poses a significant risk. Consequently, the prohibition against workers under 16 operating or being near such equipment is a vital measure to ensure their health and safety in the workplace.