U.S. Department
of Labor releases new “elaws” tool to help employers comply with recordkeeping,
reporting and notice requirements
WASHINGTON — The
U.S. Department of Labor today unveiled an elaws advisor that helps employers
determine which of the department's recordkeeping, reporting and notice requirements
apply to them.
The new FirstStep Recordkeeping, Reporting
and Notices elaws Advisor has been integrated into a FirstStep suite of advisors
that also includes the revised and expanded FirstStep Poster Advisor and FirstStep
Employment Law Overview Advisor.
"These Internet tools
will make it easier for small business employers to learn about and comply with
the federal laws that apply to them," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
The
elaws advisors are free, Web-based tools designed to help employers and workers
understand the department's major employment laws. By asking a series of questions,
the advisors simulate a conversation with a Department of Labor expert and guide
users to customized information explaining the requirements of each law.
By
asking questions such as size of business, location and type of industry through
multiple choice or yes and no questions, the FirstStep Employment Law Overview
Advisor determines which federal employment laws apply to each user. The advisor
then provides information from the Labor Department's Employment Law Guide on
the basic provisions of these laws.
The new FirstStep Recordkeeping,
Reporting and Notices Advisor summarizes the paperwork requirements for each law.
The FirstStep Poster Advisor, which can be used to download and print off Labor
Department posters for free, was revised to include information on where the posters
must be displayed in the workplace, and what size and language requirements apply
to each.
This suite of FirstStep elaws advisors is available
at www.dol.gov/elaws/firststep.
The department offers more than 25 other elaws advisors
covering a wide range of employment law topics, such as minimum wage and overtime,
child labor, veterans' workplace rights, health and retirement benefits, and workplace
safety and health. For more information, visit www.dol.gov/elaws.
