What steps do I need to take to ensure that my small business in Pennsylvania is in compliance with employment laws?

To ensure that your small business in Pennsylvania is in compliance with employment laws, there are several steps you should take:

1. Develop an employee handbook: An employee handbook can serve as a guide to your business policies and procedures, including your company's stance on discrimination, harassment, and other employment-related issues. The handbook should also include information on state and federal employment laws, including wage and hour laws, antidiscrimination laws, and leave laws.

2. Comply with wage and hour laws: In Pennsylvania, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, and the state follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for overtime pay, which requires employers to pay employees 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek.

3. Comply with discrimination laws: Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, disability, and other protected categories. As an employer, it is important to ensure that all job postings, interviews, performance evaluations, and promotions are conducted in a non-discriminatory manner.

4. Comply with leave laws: Pennsylvania has several leave laws that employers must comply with, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Pennsylvania Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PPDA). These laws provide job-protected leave for employees who are dealing with serious medical conditions or caring for a family member with a serious medical condition.

5. Comply with safety and health regulations: Pennsylvania employers must comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. This includes maintaining proper safety equipment, providing training on safety procedures, and maintaining accurate records of workplace accidents and injuries.

6. Conduct regular training and review of policies: As an employer, it is important to conduct regular training sessions for your employees on your company's policies and procedures, including your policies on discrimination, harassment, and safety. Additionally, it is important to periodically review and update your policies to ensure that they are up-to-date with current laws and regulations.

It is important to note that there may be additional state and federal employment laws that apply to your specific business. Working with a licensed attorney or human resources professional can help you ensure that your business is fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.