Colorado Child Labor in Agriculture & Farming
Child labor laws on Colorado and Federal levels have special provisions that apply to minors working in the agricultural industry, including working as farm hands, harvesting fruit or vegetables, etc. In many states, agricultural child labor laws focus on safety and tend to be less restrictive in terms of working hours than general child labor regulations.
In most cases, agricultural child labor laws do not apply to children working on their family's farm. Many traditionally agricultural states have less restrictive child labor laws in this area.
Colorado has separate agriculture child labor law.
Colorado Agricultural Child Labor Age Restrictions
According to Colorado state law, the minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture during school hours is 16. The minimum age at which a minor may work in agriculture outside of school hours is 12.Minor Employment Certificate Requirements in Colorado
No employment certificate is required for minors working in agriculture under Colorado laws. Age certification is required for minors working in agriculture who are under the age of 18 (must be provided on request).Colorado Agricultural Child Labor Restrictions on Working Hours
Maximum Working Hours for Minors Under 16
8 hours can be worked a day and 40 hours per week, if under 18. Up to 6 hours can be worked on schoolday if under 16.
In seasonal employment involving perishable products where paid by piece, minors age 14 or older may work up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period and up to 30 hours in a 72-hour period (but not more than 8 hours a day for more than 10 days in any 30-day period).
Colorado does not specify any limitations on the number of days per week that can be worked by minors under 16 who are engaged in agricultural work.
Nightwork Regulations for Minors Under 16
Nightwork is prohibited for minors under age 16 during the following time windows: 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. before schoolday
Prohibited Hazardous Agricultural Occupations for Minors
Colorado has no specific agricultural hazardous occupations. Those of general application for workers under 18 are considered as covering agricultural work where applicable (such as work 20 feet above ground, and operation of power-driven machinery).
Other Colorado Child Labor Laws
In addition to laws specifically regulating minors employed in the agricultural industry, Colorado law has a variety of regulations that cover child labor in general. To learn more, see Colorado child labor laws.
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