Indiana Administrative Code Title 610 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Overview
Title 610 of the Indiana Administrative Code establishes the Department of Labor, which is the primary state agency responsible for enforcing labor standards, workplace safety, wage regulations, and employment-related protections in Indiana.
The department’s mission is to protect workers’ rights, promote safe working conditions, and ensure fair labor practices throughout the state. It provides regulatory oversight, investigates complaints, and enforces compliance with labor rules.
Key Elements of Title 610 – Department of Labor
1. Purpose and Scope
The department exists to ensure fair, safe, and lawful employment practices across all industries in Indiana.
Its responsibilities cover:
Wage and hour laws
Workplace safety and health
Employment standards
Child labor restrictions
Labor dispute resolution
2. Organization and Leadership
The Department of Labor is headed by a Commissioner of Labor or an equivalent administrative officer.
It consists of multiple divisions or bureaus, each focused on a specific area, such as:
Wage and Hour Division – enforces minimum wage, overtime, and payroll regulations.
Safety and Health Division – oversees workplace safety inspections and compliance.
Labor Standards Division – ensures adherence to employment laws, including child labor and employee classification.
Staff may include inspectors, investigators, administrative personnel, and technical advisors.
3. Meetings and Procedures
The department may hold public hearings to address workplace disputes or proposed rules.
Formal procedures exist for investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and issuing enforcement actions.
Decisions of the department may be documented and reported to ensure transparency.
4. Powers and Responsibilities
The department has several core functions:
Enforcement of Labor Laws
Ensuring employers comply with wage, hour, and workplace safety standards.
Workplace Safety Oversight
Inspecting worksites, identifying hazards, and issuing safety orders.
Complaint Investigation
Investigating employee complaints regarding unpaid wages, unsafe conditions, or labor violations.
Rulemaking Authority
Issuing administrative rules to clarify labor laws and guide employers and workers.
Education and Outreach
Providing guidance, training, and resources to employers and workers about labor rights and safety standards.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
Maintaining records on labor inspections, enforcement actions, and industry compliance.
5. Regulatory Actions
The department can take actions against non-compliant employers, such as:
Issuing warnings or fines
Requiring corrective measures
Pursuing legal action to recover unpaid wages or ensure safety compliance
6. Coordination with Other Agencies
The Department of Labor collaborates with other state agencies, local governments, and federal labor authorities.
Works with the Wage Adjustment Board, the Firefighting Board, and other regulatory bodies to ensure comprehensive labor oversight.
7. Worker Protections
Ensures employees have access to:
Fair wages and proper compensation
Safe working conditions free from hazards
Protection from unfair labor practices
Proper classification as employees or independent contractors
8. Importance of Title 610
Provides a centralized authority for labor law enforcement in Indiana.
Promotes economic fairness and worker safety.
Offers guidance and oversight for employers to comply with state labor regulations.
Protects vulnerable populations, including minors and low-wage workers.
✅ In short: Indiana Administrative Code Title 610 – Department of Labor establishes the state agency responsible for enforcing labor laws, promoting workplace safety, ensuring fair wages, and protecting the rights of all employees in Indiana. It provides oversight, guidance, and enforcement authority to maintain safe and equitable working conditions.
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