Kentucky Labor and Employment Law Key Terms

Understanding Kentucky regulations and laws protecting the rights of employees

The purpose of Kentucky labor laws is to make certain that employers treat their staffs fairly. State and federal agencies are bound by laws regarding labor and employment to protect the welfare of employees and promote their stable and beneficial relationships with employers.

As you research Kentucky labor and employment laws for compliance purposes, you may come across some terms or regulations that need further explanation. This article covers a few of the more common labor law key terms.

 

Overtime

In Kentucky, overtime refers to any amount of time an employee works over the typical 40-hour work week or works more than six days within one week's time. Employers in Kentucky must pay overtime as time-and-a-half per hour. In other words, an employee that makes $8 per hour, would receive $12 an hour for overtime, or one-and-one-half times his regular hourly rate.
Try: The Kentucky Legislature provides more information regarding seventh-day overtime regulations in Kentucky.

Minimum wage

Minimum wage is the minimum amount an employee must receive as compensation for work on an hourly basis. There is a minimum wage in place on a state and federal level. As a general rule, whichever minimum wage is higher is the wage paid to Kentucky employees.
Try: Visit the Kentucky Labor Cabinet's Wage and Hour Regulations page for more information on minimum wage and other state compensation laws.

Child labor

Child labor laws are in place in Kentucky to protect children from being overworked. A child must be at least 14 years old before he or she can work. There are also strict limitations and regulations in place regarding the hours and time periods that minors from age 14 to 17 can work for an employer.
Try: The Kentucky Labor Cabinet provides the specific regulations regarding the employment of a minor in Kentucky.

Work Comp

Work Comp, the colloquial version of workers' compensation, is the division of state and local governments that handles claims against employers resulting from an employee's injury sustained while working. It is a requirement that all businesses with employees maintain workers' compensation insurance to protect their businesses and the rights of their employees to benefits in case of an injury.
Try: The Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims website provides more information on the work comp regulations and process. The EDI page provides a list of key terms and acronyms used by the Work Comp Department.

New hire reporting

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, a federal law put into practice by Congress in 1996, requires employers in all 50 states to report new hires or rehires to a state directory.
Try: Visit the Kentucky New Hire Reporting Center for answers to frequently asked questions on the subject, including information on how to report your new hires.

Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (KOSHRC)

The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission establishes, maintains and enforces regulations in accordance with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in order to protect the Kentucky work force.
Try: Access the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission rules of procedure.

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