What legal requirements does my Ohio-based business need to comply with when it comes to employee rights and workplace safety?
As an Ohio-based business, there are several legal requirements that you need to comply with when it comes to employee rights and workplace safety. The following are some of the requirements that your business needs to adhere to:
- Minimum wage and overtime requirements - Your business is required to pay its employees at least the minimum wage as set by Ohio law, which is currently $8.80 per hour. In addition, your business must also comply with federal and state overtime requirements, which require employers to pay eligible employees 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for every hour worked beyond 40 in a workweek.
- Workplace safety and health requirements - Your business needs to ensure that it provides a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. This includes complying with all applicable federal and state workplace safety regulations, such as providing personal protective equipment, establishing emergency evacuation procedures, and maintaining clean and sanitary conditions in the workplace.
- Anti-discrimination laws - Your business must comply with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on factors such as race, gender, age, religion, and disability. This includes providing reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities, and ensuring that all job postings and hiring practices are non-discriminatory.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - Your business may be required to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child, or a serious health condition that prevents the employee from working.
- Workers' compensation insurance - Your business must provide workers' compensation insurance for its employees, which provides benefits to employees who are injured on the job or suffer from work-related illnesses.
It is important to note that there may be additional legal requirements that your business needs to comply with depending on its size, industry, and other factors. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed attorney to ensure that your business is fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.