Legislation would lower age for running logging equipment

Sixteen-year-olds would be allowed to run logging equipment with parental supervision in family-owned companies under legislation introduced today by Idaho Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo. The Youth Careers in Logging Act extends benefits enjoyed by others in the agriculture industry, the senators said in a press release. “In the logging industry…family business is a way of life,” said Risch. “By lowering the age that young adults are able to begin helping their parents operate safe and modern machinery, we are helping to bolster the entire logging industry.” “This legislation offers tomorrow’s leaders the family training to become the future of the industry and assist in the restoration of our national forests,” Crapo said. The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 so that 16- and 17-year-olds would be allowed to work in mechanized logging operations under parental supervision. U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.