To all of you guys who think employees need to be at least 18 ( not talking about wc ins) I call BS. And will open myself up to flaming. My son who is 12 works for me, I have always allowed him to try new experiences and don't baby him but Always point out potential hazards. He is a careful and thoughtful worker, has run out wheel loader for years feeding the chipper. We go to the racetrack together, he has a Ninja 300 and routinely hits 106mph (top speed). He is a wiz on an excavator and last night he ran out 35 ton Grove and I flew the ball and we took down a big white pine, 35 cubic yards of chips and a log. I felt totally comfortable with the entire process.
He sets his own alarm and is at the shop by 7 with water and lunch ready to go
It ain't the age of the kid it's the upbringing and experiences they have that makes them. Woody (my son) wants to be a chef but whatever he decides to do I am confident he won't be a bum