Post That Notice! Or Suffer the Consequences

Failing or forgetting to display required employment postings in the workplace could be a costly mistake for a business——fines for the offense run as high as $17,000, according to the Illinois Chamber.

State and federal law requires employers with one or more employees to post certain labor law notices in a “conspicuous place or places,” such as the break room, time clock, back of a door or unisex bathroom. Separate business locations require additional postings.

All posters can be obtained or downloaded through the federal and Illinois departments of labor. Sets can also be purchased from the Illinois Chamber on three 23x30 inch posters for $45 each.

Business owners also should be aware that there are some companies that will attempt to sell the required posters although all can be obtained at no cost.

One such company, Personnel Concepts, has been the subject of numerous complaints for sending out notifications about purchasing the posters, according to the Illinois Better Business Bureau. The company, based in Pomona, Cal., was put on alert by the North Idaho BBB in 2005.

Aside from fines, failure to post the signs could cause trouble for a business in a lawsuit since failing to display some posters could extend the time employees have to file suit. Posters displayed at incorrect sizes could also result in fines.

The following postings are always required in Illinois. Others may be necessary depending on the type of business.

Contact the Illinois Department of Labor for more information.

Required federal postings include:

•Equal Employment Opportunity Act

•Occupational Safety and Health Administration

•Fair Labor Standards Act Minimum Wage

•Family and Medical Leave Act

•Polygraph Protection Act

•Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

Required Illinois postings include:

•Workers’ Compensation

•Equal Pay Act of 2003