South Carolina labor laws provide you with the information you need to stay in compliance with federal and state labor and employment laws. Labor laws first began as a way to protect employees, but now protect employers as well by spelling out the rights and responsibilities in employment.
South Carolina employment laws address hiring, firing and work conditions for employees. Understanding employment policies and staying current protects your business against lawsuits from former or current employees.
Look to SC labor laws for information on:
1. Posting SC labor law posters in places like break rooms where employees will be sure to see them
2. Understanding minimum wage policies in SC employment law
3. Learning how background checks affect privacy rights in SC labor law
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Know South Carolina labor laws
Learn all you can about your state labor laws, and then assign someone the responsibility of understanding updated policies that affect your business. That person will have the assignment of educating you and everyone you employ on changes in labor and employment laws.
I recommend: Knowing all there is about employment law usually falls under the jurisdiction of human resources personnel who should work closely with the
South Carolina Department of Labor. You can also consult with
South Carolina labor law firms on issues that pertain to your business. Study the specifics of the Fair Labor Standards Act through the Department of Labor’s
elaws advisor program.
See what SC employment laws say about safe work conditions
An employer is responsible for safe working conditions, whether it's the condition of the actual building or protection against hazardous substances.
I recommend: Make sure your business complies with
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Check OSHA resources for small business.
South Carolina is one of the states that administers its own OSHA program in agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Stay current on SC labor law with employment software
You can never be too careful with labor and employment issues. Make sure your business complies with federal South Carolina employment laws with software that guides you.
I recommend: Check with
Ascentis or
WorkForce about labor law compliance software solutions.
Find out what South Carolina employment laws say about discrimination
While you wouldn't knowingly discriminate against employees, you can't always be sure. Most discrimination disputes arise on alleged discrimination based on age, gender or race. But state and federal regulations also prohibit your business from discriminating according to religion, national origin or disability.
I recommend: Review what qualifies as discriminatory practices at the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You’ll also find information specific to South Carolina at the
South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Make a policy to give regular performance reviews that may tie into wage increases as recommended by SC employment law, if possible.
- When someone calls for a reference on a former employee, limit yourself to positive comments or verifying dates of employment.
The official source of South Carolina Labor and Employment Law is
the South Carolina Labor and Employment Law page at Business.com