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From: jgpo@ihu1e.UUCP (John, KA9MNK)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Hiring underage kids
Message-ID: <413@ihu1e.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 21-Mar-85 18:45:43 EST
Article-I.D.: ihu1e.413
Posted: Thu Mar 21 18:45:43 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 23-Mar-85 00:37:36 EST
References: <696@pyuxqq.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 34

> TO: cbosgd!cbsck!cbscc!rsg
> 
> >>	Subject: Re: washer/dryer/lawn mover info needed
> >>	As far as lawn mowers go, I try to stimulate the economy by hiring a
> >>	neighborhood professional (i.e. kid about 13 years old) to do it.
> >>	...bob garmise...at&t bell labs, columbus...
> 
> I don't know about your state, but I've been told that in NJ, hiring
> an under-age person to use power machinery can result in legal trouble
> and costs that are NOT totally covered by your insurance.

Bob's not "hiring" the kid, per se, but, rather, buying a service provided
by the kid.  The kid is not Bob's employee, but is acting as a self-employed
independent contractor.  I don't think Bob has anything to worry about,
especially if the kid supplies the lawnmower him/herself.  If Bob supplies
the lawnmower, he could be held liable for any injuries caused by defects
in the machinery.

Mowing the neighbor's lawns is a time-honored way of raising money,
especially when you're too young to get a "real" job.

If Bob makes sure the kid's parents know about Junior's sideline business
and they have given their permission for the same, I don't see how they
can sue if Junior gets hurt.  Legal protection is just a phone call away.


		John Opalko
		AT&T Bell Labs
		Naperville, IL



DISCLAIMER:  I am not a lawyer and the major portion of my experience with
the law is seeing just how far I can bend it before it breaks.