Iowa Department of Labor

The Division of Labor Services is responsible for several programs all designed to protect the health, safety and fiscal security of its citizens. They protect the rights of employees to be free from danger in the workplace, to be paid fair wages, and protect children from working in dangerous industries and helps to advance their education. The programs are also designed to protect those who ride escalators, elevators, amusement rides or enters public buildings that have boilers or are currently or have undergone asbestos abatement. The Division enforces safety in the workplace, provides consultation to employers on occupational safety health compliance and maintains statistical information of workers’ illness and injuries.

Employers can learn about potential hazards at their worksites and improve their occupational safety and health management systems by using free consultation services. These services are offered confidentially and without fear of citations.

The IOSH program is a separate bureau and is aimed at reducing injury and illness incidences by enhancing the employer’s ability to identify and control potential hazards. Citations are proposed where violations are found. The Education section offers a variety of safety education videos free of charge to the public along with a wide selection of OSHA publications and informational fact sheets. The Division protects employees by coding work-related injuries and illnesses involving days away from work and analyzing the information to reduce hazards.

The Iowa Division of Labor enforces the states minimum wage and wage payment collection laws and they process claims relating to unpaid wages, vacation pay, unpaid expenses and minimum wage laws. They enforce child labor laws and require those under 16 to obtain work permits.

The division protects public safety by enforcing Iowa’s elevator and escalator safety codes; they enforce amusement ride safety standards. Amusement operators must obtain permits to work in Iowa and their equipment must pass inspection. They also protect public health by enforcing licensing and permitting requirements for asbestos abatement activities.