It was many, many decades ago when a statement was issued by the New England Association of Farmers, Mechanics and Other Workingmen about the workplace and children, according to the St. George News. The statement made it clear that children were prohibited from factories because it could endanger them in many ways, including mentally and physically.

Child labor started to decrease since President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially penned his signature on the Fair Labor Standards Act. This Act is designed to protect children from working long hours and in environments that are unsafe or hazardous to young children.

Although progress has continuously been made for the children over the years, a young boy still died recently by handling what he was not legally permitted to handle. The boy, a 14-year-old, was operating a forklift when it overturned. He passed away from the injuries sustained during the incident.

And, while some laws are specific, including those that prohibit children from working too many hours within, there are always a few chances where children could be put in potentially risky situations while working. A child may not be able to operate heavy machinery in department warehouse, but could end up using that same machinery out on the fields while working at a farm.

If the accident was caused due to negligence on behalf of the employer or the people surrounding the child who allowed him to use the forklift, someone needs to take responsibility for it and ultimately take on the punishment that comes with negligent behavior. The Arizona Department of Labor is currently investigating the case to find out what really happened and what this tragic and sad accident happened to such a young child. The investigation will hopefully provide them with enough information to decide what needs to be done next.

One point that many are trying to make is that machinery is dangerous for children, regardless if it is against the law or not. If it does not feel right, it likely is not right. There are always risks when operating heavy machinery, and those risks do not just disappear when children get behind the wheel. If anything, those risks continue to multiply.

Putting a child in such danger is not wise, even if it is something that has been done before and was regularly done decades ago. Children do need to learn good work ethics but not to a point which may risk their lives.

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