As summer approaches, many cities and towns welcome young people into volunteer and part time or seasonal roles. Whether helping in the office or supporting public works, municipalities should take extra care when working with minors (under age 18) to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
- Use a volunteer agreement form that includes clear parent/guardian signature. A minor’s signature alone is insufficient and generally unenforceable.
- Acknowledge risk: If the volunteer role includes physical or higher-risk tasks (setup/cleanup outdoor duties), the agreement should include a risk acknowledgement.
- Keep roles simple, structured, and non-hazardous such as limiting work to office help or park cleanup.
- All volunteer agreements should include a hold harmless agreement signed by the parent/guardian.
- Assign a supervisor: Ensure minors know who they report to for check-ins, questions, injuries, or incidents.
- For employees, obtain: a minor work permit through L&I, along with a completed parent/school authorization form and proof of age.
- Avoid assigning high-risk work that involves heights, power tools, vehicles or large lawnmowers, ATVs, and chainsaws.
- Track volunteer hours as this is helpful for school or community service verification, and can support documentation in the event of a claim.
- For employees: comply with work hours: max 4 hours on a school day, 8 on non-school days. No more than 28 hours per week. Only between 7 am and 10 pm.
- Provide and document a safety orientation and necessary training. Include basic safety guidance and any necessary PPE depending on tasks. Rather than liability waivers for minors, focus on compliance and good documentation.