Ohio Labor and Employment Law Basics

Learn how to comply with OH labor law
By Emmet McMahan An examination of Ohio labor and employment law basics should include finding ways of protecting your business and employees. The primary goal of labor and employment laws is to equalize the power between employers and employees, who are frequently represented by labor unions.

Ohio work laws may include both state and federal statutes. Federal laws regulate workers' rights to organize and override most state labor and employment laws. However, federal laws generally do not apply to agricultural workers, domestic employees and employees of local or state governments. There are three general areas of labor and employment law regulated by states:

1. Ohio employment laws on wages and benefits. Many states have laws giving a minimum wage that is higher than the federal standard and also provide laws that protect workers excluded by the Fair Labor and Standards Act (FLSA).
2. Display requirements for labor law posters. Ohio employers must prominently display posters in the workplace with specific information on federal and Ohio labor laws.
3. Workers compensation insurance. Ohio has minimum coverage requirements for employees who experience work-related injuries. Employers frequently consult with Ohio employment law firms to ensure their worker's compensation insurance coverage is adequate.
   

Learn about Ohio labor laws that regulate minimum wage and overtime

According to Ohio labor law, businesses must pay their employees the greater of the state or federal minimum wage. Overtime laws generally control what an employee should be paid after 40 hours of work in the same week.
Try:  The Ohio Department of Commerce provides the minimum fair wage standards and cites the relevant state laws. The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now provides current news on the minimum wage in Ohio.

Find out how to display posters on Ohio labor laws

Ohio labor law posters keep employees informed of their rights and obligations under federal and state labor laws. Employers must display these posters in the workplace in a visible location where they are easy to read.
Try:  The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services specifies the labor law posting requirements for state employees in Ohio. PosterSolution.com provides current updates on the Ohio labor law posting requirements.

Provide workers' compensation insurance required by Ohio labor laws

Workers' compensation insurance in Ohio protects employees and their families in the event of injury or death of the employee while on the job. Government websites, insurance agencies and labor lawyers in Ohio commonly have basic information on workers compensation.
Try:  The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation provides extensive resources on workers' compensation insurance for workers and employers. Chapter 4123 of the Ohio Revised Code published by LAWriter covers workers' compensation insurance in Ohio.

• Ohio labor laws generally have the presumption that workers not covered by an employment agreement are "at will" employees who may be fired without notice or cause. However, these employees may be protected under laws that cover specific activities, such as organizing unions or whistle blowing.