Also, in most states, a physician's signature is required on the work permit certifying that the child is fit for work. Unfortunately, school systems seldom exercise discretionary authority in issuing work permits. Children and adolescents receive little or no counselling and education on the hazards of work. Until the 1980s, as a result of strong enforcement of FLSA and generally favorable economic conditions, child labor outside of agriculture was not a widespread problem in the United States. Unstable world conditions, particularly war and poverty, have led to increasing numbers of immigrants, both documented and undocumented, into the United States.
Fewer inspectors are in the field.
Regulations limiting the maximum number of hours of work and prohibitions against use of dangerous machinery by children have not been adequately enforced. Although precise data are lacking, the portion of all adolescent injuries that are work-related appears to be substantial. Exposures in childhood and adolescence may result in serious diseases in adulthood. Children on farms are permitted under the FLSA to operate heavy equipment at younger ages than in other sectors of American industry. Serious injuries occur on family farms as well as in commercial agriculture.