Labor Laws Governing Ohio

Recently, I’ve been researching the labor laws of various states. I’ve found that the Ohio labor laws cover quite a variety of topics including child labor regulations, wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination provisions, prevailing wages for public works project employees, safety regulations, unemployment compensation, and workers’ compensation.

Child labor laws are one important part of the Ohio labor laws. In the state of Ohio, a work permit must be issued to any minor under 18 before they may work at a job. This requirement is waived during the summer months for 16 and 17 year olds, but proof of age and a signed “permission to work” statement from the minor’s parents must still be on file. All minors must be given a break of 30 minutes when they have worked five hours or more consecutively. The Ohio Labor Law also regulates the work hours and permitted occupations for minors of various ages,

Like many states, Ohio’s labor laws provide for workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation programs. Workers’ compensation is designed to help pay the medical bills as well as some lost wages for workers who are injured on the job. Unemployment compensation is designed to give financial assistance to workers who involuntarily lose their jobs.

Another interesting labor law in Ohio is the Prevailing Wage law. This law mandates that employees on public works construction projects be paid a minimum hourly rate set by the state government. This helps ensure greater fairness in the process of various contractors bidding on state projects.

Finally, the subject of wage payment is a topic of interest to many people. Ohio has a state minimum wage equal to that of the federal minimum wage, which is currently $5.15 per hour. Employees who receive gratuities may be paid as little as $2.13 per hour, but their total hourly wages combined with tips must still be equal to or greater than the minimum wage. Under Ohio labor law, wages in the state must generally be paid at least twice per month. However, if a written agreement to do otherwise exists between an employer and employees, this provision may be waived.

The Ohio Complete Labor Law Poster contains a helpful listing of all the applicable federal and state laws on this topic.