CO · hazardous orders for minors
Colorado hazardous orders for minors
Federal FLSA defines 17 Hazardous Occupations Orders (HO-1 to HO-17) that prohibit minors under 18 from working in specific dangerous jobs. Every state — including Colorado — incorporates the full federal list by reference. On top of that floor, Colorado layers 3 additions enforced under Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 8-12-101 to 8-12-117 (Youth Employment Opportunity Act).
Quick facts
- Federal HOs
- 17 (HO-1 to HO-17)
- Colorado additions
- 3
- Min age for HO work
- 18 (HO-2 / HO-7: 17 with carve-outs)
- Enforced by
- State labor agency + US DOL WHD
- State statute
- Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 8-12-101 to 8-12-117 (Youth Employment Opportunity Act)
- Last verified
Federal hazardous orders that apply in Colorado
All 17 federal HOs apply in Colorado by operation of the FLSA (29 CFR Part 570 Subpart E) and the § 218(a) “more protective” clause. Colorado's own code re-lists 3 of them by name — the remainder are still binding through federal incorporation.
Re-listed in Colorado code
- 29 CFR Part 570All federal hazardous orders HO-1 through HO-17
- HO-10Operating power-driven meat-processing machines
- HO-16Roofing operations and work on or about a roof
See the full federal HO-1 to HO-17 list with plain-English summaries →
Colorado additions on top of the federal floor
These prohibitions are unique to Colorado or go further than the federal floor. They're enforced under Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 8-12-101 to 8-12-117 (Youth Employment Opportunity Act) by the state labor agency.
- Door-to-door sales for minors under 16C.R.S. §8-12-110
- Marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, or sale (any minor)C.R.S. §44-10-1101
- Retail liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries, casinos, and adult-entertainment venues (any minor under 18)7 CCR 1103-20 (Youth Employment Standards Rules, eff. Feb. 1, 2026)
Where to verify Colorado's hazardous-orders enforcement
When the FLSA federal floor and Colorado state rules conflict, the stricter standard applies (FLSA § 218(a)). If you're an employer unsure whether a specific task is allowed, or a parent / minor who suspects a violation, contact the state labor agency directly through the links below.