What are the legal requirements for hiring new employees in Ohio?

In Ohio, employers are required to comply with several legal requirements when hiring new employees.

First, employers must comply with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. These laws prohibit employers from discriminating against job applicants on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Employers must also comply with Ohio's smoking ban, which prohibits smoking in all places of employment. Additionally, employers must comply with Ohio's minimum wage and overtime laws, which establish minimum wage rates and overtime pay requirements for employees.

Second, employers must verify the employment eligibility of all new hires by completing Form I-9, which is a federal requirement. This form requires the employer to examine the employee's documents that establish their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Employers must also comply with Ohio's new hire reporting requirements, which require employers to report information about all newly hired employees to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services within 20 days of their date of hire.

Third, employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when conducting pre-employment background checks. The FCRA requires employers to obtain written consent from job applicants before conducting a background check and to provide them with a copy of the report if that report is going to be used in making an adverse decision against the job applicant, such as denying their job application.

Fourth, employers must provide new employees with certain documentation, including an employee handbook (if the employer has one), any contracts or agreements that the employee is required to sign, and any written policies or procedures that the employee must follow.

Finally, employers must comply with Ohio's workers' compensation laws. Employers must provide workers' compensation coverage to their employees in case of any work-related injuries or illnesses.

It is important for Ohio employers to take these legal requirements seriously, as failure to comply with these laws can result in significant legal penalties and liabilities. If an employer has any questions or concerns about their legal obligations when hiring new employees or any other aspect of employment law, they should consult with an experienced employment law attorney for guidance.