Understanding Labor Law Poster Requirements

Labor law postings can change at any time and failure to post up-to-date labor law postings can result in hefty fines or lawsuits…

Poster Requirements

It may be shocking to think that in this electronic day and age, when all communications are through emails and text, the old-fashioned printed labor law poster still has a place in the office. Yes, the government still requires certain information to be posted in offices, and there may be penalties for failing to post them.

One of the most widespread posters is Job Safety and Health Protection, a must for “private employers engaged in a business affecting commerce.” According to the DOL, this poster “informs workers of their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. All covered employers are required to display the poster in their workplace.”

Most employers also need to display a poster explaining the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The poster, the provisions of which are listed on the DOL site, needs to explain the federal minimum wage, child labor regulations and special rules for employees who receive extensive gratuities, such as waitstaff.

Other labor law posters are required only in very specific circumstances — but companies would do well to check the DOL site to see whether their situation requires a special poster. For example, the Davis-Bacon Act requires a “Notice To All Employees Working On Federal Or Federally Financed Construction Projects.”

According to the Department of Labor, not all businesses need to post every notice, because some businesses are exempt from certain regulations.  For example, some small businesses may not be covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act and thus would not be subject to the Act’s posting requirements.

Fines and Lawsuits

Companies with employees who are unfamiliar with English should note that the DOL provides translations of some key posters into Spanish, Russian, Chinese and more. If a substantial number of employees speak a language other than English, you may be required to provide bilingual posters. Labor law postings can change at any time and failure to post up-to-date labor law postings can result in hefty fines or lawsuits. There are also citations and penalties for failure to display the poster where employees can easily see it.

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