Note: The Department of Labor has updated its handbook for small businesses.  Formerly called the "Small Business Handbook," the new guide is called the "Employment Law Guide."  The Employment Law guide is available in English and/or Spanish on the Web at http://www.dol.gov/asp/programs/guide.htm in text or pdf format. It is also available in hardcopy in English or Spanish by calling 1-866-4-USA-DOL.

This Handbook on the basic regulations and related services administered by the Department of Labor (DOL) is designed primarily for small businesses in general industry. It begins with a general overview of DOL requirements. This is followed by ten sections containing information on the specific laws and regulations. Read the overview first to find out which requirements apply to your business. For each requirement the overview refers to specific sections or to a DOL office. Employers in certain industries (such as agriculture and mining) or employers working on government contracts should contact the referenced DOL offices for further information and assistance.

Each section discusses: covered employers; basic provisions and requirements; how to obtain information and assistance from DOL; penalties for non-compliance; and relation to state, local and other federal laws. The section subtitles identify the applicable laws and the associated regulations, which can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Many sections refer to an appendix which provides additional addresses and phone numbers for obtaining DOL assistance.

You should be aware that other federal agencies besides DOL enforce laws and regulations that affect employers. For example, statutes designed to ensure non-discrimination in employment are generally enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Also, the Taft-Hartley Act regulating employer conduct with regard to employees in a wide range of areas is administered by the National Labor Relations Board. Please consult these agencies for further information on their requirements.

The information contained in this publication is not to be considered a substitute for any provisions of the laws enforced by the Department of Labor or for any regulations issued by the Department.