A roofing company faces criminal complaints from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry [L&I] over multiple alleged violations of the Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act.
According to a release from the department, an L&I investigation concluded that Samuel M. Lapp, owner of S&L Roofing, Gutters & Siding of Perry County, employed two minors (ages 12 and 15) for work on second-story roofs in Lower Paxton Township and Susquehanna Township.
The criminal complaints detail 18 counts, including allowing minors to work in hazardous occupations, particularly roofing, over several shifts and for extended hours. Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act prohibits children from working in hazardous occupations like roofing. Lapp is also charged with violating Section 11 of the Child Labor Act by failing to maintain accurate employee records upon request by L&I.
Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act regulates the employment of minors under 18. The law outlines maximum hours and permissible working times, while prohibiting minors from working in hazardous occupations. Minors under age 14 may not be employed or permitted to work in any occupation, except as golf caddies, delivering newspapers, as a youth sports official, in a performance, on farms or in domestic service in private homes.
The alleged violations carry a potential $500 fine for each count, according to the L&I. All charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
