Small Business Start-Up Kit | Page 29

Regulations Labor & Safety Regulations Educating Yourself on Labor/Safety Issues The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is available to provide guidance to businesses in the state. They can help you walk through many of your employment and labor questions including labor standards, labor statistics, workforce management, training and many other topics. Street Address 201 E. Washington Avenue, Madison WI 53703 Mailing Address P.O. Box 7946, Madison, WI 53707-7946 Phone (608) 266-3131 Fax (608) 266-1784 Web https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/default_business.htm OSHA The issuing and enforcing of occupational and safety health regulations is handled by the United States Department of Labor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency which administers these policies. The requirements put forth by OSHA include posting notices to employees and maintaining accurate records of employee injuries. OSHA will provide you with the information on all requirements as well as related publications. OSHA policies and regulations must be posted in the workspace where all employees may see. In addition of OSHA the U.S. government also supports the Employment Standards Administration, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Veterans Employment and Training Service, and the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration. Each of these departments is designed to protect both the employer and employee. Similar to OSHA, each issues and enforces a unique set of requirements and regulations. Application, Hiring, & Termination Process There are basic ground rules to hiring and firing employees. These are legal requirements to acquiring or terminating employees. If handled incorrectly, personnel issues can result in legal problems. These legal problems can be large enough to shut your business down. It is important to make sure all your bases are covered. In addition to the do’s and don’ts listed below, contact the Wisconsin Department of Labor, the Wisconsin Human Resources Handbook (http://oser.state.wi.us/ docview.asp?docid=4271) your local SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) organization and/or an attorney for more on correct hiring and firing policies. Application & Hiring Don’t • Ask obvious questions: Do not ask questions regarding sex, age, race, etc. or anything related to these areas. These are sensitive areas and cannot be used as discriminating factors. Some applicants may believe that all gathered information is used. It is for this Greater Area Tomah Chamber of Commerce Page | 29