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What steps do I need to take to ensure that my small business is compliant with Ohio employment laws?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To ensure that your small business is compliant with Ohio employment laws, you should follow these steps:

  1. Know and comply with Ohio's minimum wage laws. Currently, Ohio's minimum wage is $8.80 per hour. However, if your business employs tipped employees, the minimum wage is $4.40 per hour, as long as the employees' tips and wages combined equal at least $8.80 per hour.

  2. Understand Ohio's overtime laws. Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5 times their regular rate for every hour worked over 40 hours in a workweek. Exempt employees, such as executives and professionals, may not be eligible for overtime pay.

  3. Comply with anti-discrimination laws. Ohio law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, pregnancy, and genetic information. Make sure your hiring practices, job assignments, promotions, and terminations are based on legitimate business reasons and not discriminatory factors.

  4. Follow federal and state workplace safety regulations. Provide a safe and healthy work environment for your employees by complying with regulations such as OSHA and implementing safety protocols.

  5. Comply with Ohio's workers' compensation laws. Ohio businesses with one or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. Report any workplace injuries to your worker's compensation carrier promptly.

  6. Understand Ohio's leave laws. Ohio law requires businesses to provide leave for employees to vote, serve on a jury, and serve in the military. Additionally, Ohio has a Family and Medical Leave Act that requires businesses with 50 or more employees to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a 12-month period for certain medical and family reasons.

  7. Keep accurate employment records. Ohio law requires employers to keep detailed records of employees' wages, hours worked, and other information. The records should be kept for at least three years.

Remember to regularly review and update your employment policies and practices to ensure compliance with any changes in Ohio employment laws. If you have any questions or concerns about employment law compliance, seek the advice of a licensed employment law attorney.