Hiring Summer Groundskeepers | Vigilant

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Aug 7, 2012

Hiring Summer Groundskeepers

A: No. Workers under the age of 16 cannot operate tractors with more than 20 PTO horsepower (which might suggest that a riding mower could be okay if it’s under 20 HP); however, there is a specific prohibition in Washington on children under the age of 16 operating power lawn mowers and other powered lawn-care equipment, and to anyone 18 or under from operating commercial-grade powered equipment. The rules on employment of minors are very detailed and fact-specific. Contact Vigilant to learn more.

Q: Can we have the 15-year-old son of one of our employees operate a gas-powered push or riding lawn mower around our office building this summer?

This website presents general information in nontechnical language. This information is not legal advice. Before applying this information to a specific management decision, consult legal counsel.
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