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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Century Schoolbook'"><?xml:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 stroked="f" filled="f" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" coordsize="21600,21600"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:shapetype><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Press Release<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></B></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">For Immediate Distribution</FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">April 12, 2012<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 971-673-0788</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">BOLI Reminds Oregon Businesses to Employ Minors Lawfully</SPAN></B><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Myriad Pro'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></FONT></P>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Recent ruling in case of band saw injury highlights requirements, prohibited work<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></I></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">PORTLAND—</B>Oregon Labor and Industries Commissioner Brad Avakian is using a recent contested case decision to remind employers that using workers under age 18 means complying with state child labor requirements, which are enforced by the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Avakian, who as BOLI Commissioner issues the final order in contested civil rights and wage and hour law cases, said the recent decision upholding a fine against Schultz Manufacturing, a motocross parts manufacturer in Oregon City, perfectly illustrates why employers should turn to BOLI for guidance first.</FONT></FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">“Here, a kid got hurt using a band saw and child labor law says explicitly that he shouldn’t have been using that saw,” Avakian said. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“It’s very fortunate that he was not more seriously injured, and it’s a perfect example of why employers should consult with BOLI before bringing minors in to work.”<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">Avakian pointed to BOLI’s Technical Assistance for Employers Program (TA), whose role is educating employers about the requirements of civil rights and employment laws in Oregon.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Use of child labor is especially regulated, with employers required to obtain a certificate to employ minors before bringing a young person in to work. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The application process allows BOLI staff to screen for working conditions that may violate state or federal law, such as the use of power-driven machinery by minors which is strictly prohibited by law.</FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">“This injury and the fine against the employer were 100% avoidable,” Avakian noted.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>“The Wage and Hour Division and BOLI’s employer assistance staff are available to answer questions and help make Oregon businesses successful, but we can’t help if the employer doesn’t call or email us.”</FONT></P>
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<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">BOLI TA offers a convenient </FONT><A href="http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/TA/T_FAQ_Taminors.shtml"><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">FAQ on child labor</FONT></A><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> and is currently developing a handbook on child labor specifically, which will complement the current </FONT><A href="http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/TA/T_Tabooks.shtml#WH_HB"><FONT color=#0000ff size=3 face="Times New Roman">2012 Wage and Hour Laws Handbook</FONT></A><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman"> and ensure that Oregon employers understand the limitations on minors in the workplace.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Employers with specific questions can also consult TA by phone (971-673-0824) or email (</FONT><A href="mailto:bolita.ta@state.or.us"><FONT color=#0000ff size=3 face="Times New Roman">bolita.ta@state.or.us</FONT></A><FONT size=3 face="Times New Roman">) for more information about complying with child labor law and other wage and hour requirements.</FONT></P>
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<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoFooter align=center><I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></I></P></BODY></HTML>