Wisconsin Administrative Code
Department of Workforce Development
DWD 270-279 - Labor Standards
Chapter DWD 274 - Hours Of Work And Overtime
Section DWD 274.02 - Hours of work
Current through February 26, 2024
(1) No person shall be employed or be permitted to work in any place of employment or at any employment for such period or periods of time during any day, night or week as shall be dangerous or prejudicial to the life, health, safety or welfare of such person.
(2) It is recommended that each employer allow each employee, 18 years of age or over, at least 30 minutes for each meal period reasonably close to the usual meal period time (6:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 6:00 p.m. or 12:00 midnight) or near the middle of a shift. Shifts of more than 6 consecutive hours without a meal period should be avoided.
Note: The above meal period requirements are mandatory for minors under 18 years of age.
(3) The employer shall pay all employees for on-duty meal periods, which are to be counted as work time. An on-duty meal period is a meal period where the employer does not provide at least 30 minutes free from work. Any meal period where the employee is not free to leave the premises of the employer will also be considered an on-duty meal period.
