What legal steps do I need to take as an employer in Ohio to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws?
Compliance with State and Federal Labor Laws in Ohio
As an employer in Ohio, compliance with both state and federal labor laws is crucial. Below are some legal steps that you need to take in order to ensure compliance with state and federal labor laws:
- Familiarize yourself with federal and state labor laws: As an employer, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the numerous federal and state labor laws that govern employment. Some of the labor laws you should be conversant with include the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and the Ohio Labor Laws that regulate wage and hour requirements, discrimination, harassment and worker's compensation.
- Establish employment policies and communicate them to your employees: You should develop and maintain written policies that comply with the applicable federal and state labor laws. These policies should address critical employment matters such as overtime pay, minimum wage, workplace safety, employee privacy rights, and anti-discrimination and harassment laws.
- Proper Record Keeping: You should maintain robust records that document hours worked by your employees, wages paid, employment taxes, and other employment information. These can help you quickly respond to any legal claims or inquiries from relevant authorities.
- Provide Training: Ensure that your employees are properly trained on company policies and procedures and aware of their rights under the law.
- Consult an experienced employment attorney: To ensure compliance with the complex labor laws, it is advisable to seek the advice of an experienced employment attorney, this can help you navigate labor laws and maintain compliant policies.
It is important to note that failure to comply with state and federal labor laws can result in significant fines, penalties, and even litigation. Therefore, taking these steps as an employer can help you avoid legal risks and protect your business from potential liabilities.