In Virginia, the landscape of workplace posters reflects both a blend of universal labor concerns and unique state-specific regulations. Virginia employers are required to display posters that inform employees about a variety of topics such as the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Law, state minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and workers' compensation. While these themes are common across many states, Virginia's approach to certain topics, like its own specific health and safety regulations under VOSH, distinguishes its requirements from those of other states.
Adhering to these poster requirements is more than a legal formality; it's a pivotal part of fostering an ethical, transparent, and informed workplace. It demonstrates to employees that their employer values not only legal compliance but also their right to be informed about important labor laws. Failure to display these posters can lead to legal penalties, but perhaps more significantly, it can erode the trust and confidence employees place in their workplace. By keeping these posters up-to-date and prominently displayed, Virginia employers send a clear message of their commitment to a fair and safe working environment, an action that resonates deeply with the values of respect and integrity in the workplace.
The following state posters are required by the state of Virginia:
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Required Posters |
These posters must be displayed in prominent locations within the workplace, such as break rooms or common areas, to ensure they are easily visible to all employees. Regular updates are necessary to ensure compliance with any changes in state laws.
Virginia Required Workplace Posters
Commonwealth of Virginia Income Tax Credit
Poster Summary
The Commonwealth of Virginia Income Tax Credit document highlights the availability of an income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families in Virginia.
Key points include:
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Information Resource: Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at (804) 367-8031 or visit The Virginia Dept of Taxation Website for more information about the income tax credit.
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Federal Earned Income Tax Credit: Virginia residents may be eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
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Virginia Credit for Low-Income Individuals: Learn about the Commonwealth of Virginia income tax credit by visiting the Low Income Individuals Credit page on the Virginia Tax website.
The document encourages individuals to find out if they qualify for the income tax credit and provides contact information and website resources for further assistance.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Poster Summary
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) document provides information about the eligibility and benefits of the EITC in Virginia. Key points include:
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EITC Eligibility: The EITC is available for working individuals earning less than $59,187, with the amount of the credit varying based on marital status, number of qualifying children, and income level.
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IRS Resources: The document encourages individuals to visit www.irs.gov/eitc for eligibility information and to use the interactive EITC Assistant. Various online options, like Free File and the IRS website, are available for assistance and free tax preparation.
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Claiming the EITC: To claim the EITC, individuals must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens with earned income, valid Social Security numbers, and cannot have significant investment income.
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Qualifying Children: Specific criteria regarding relationships, age, residency, and joint returns must be met for a child to qualify for the EITC.
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Common Errors to Avoid: Mistakes such as incorrectly claiming a child as a qualifying child or reporting inaccurate income or expenses may cause delays in processing EITC claims.
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Additional Resources: Information on Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, Free File, and locating qualified tax return preparers is provided.
Human Trafficking
Poster Summary
The Human Trafficking document in Virginia raises awareness about human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery.
Key points include:
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National Hotline: The National Human Trafficking Hotline offers a toll-free, anonymous, and confidential 24/7 service that provides help, referrals, and general information. The hotline can assist victims of human trafficking in multiple languages.
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Recognizing Human Trafficking: Individuals may unknowingly be victims of human trafficking, even if they don't realize it. Signs include feeling like a slave, being coerced into sex work or forced labor, deception about work conditions, and threats against oneself or family members.
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Seeking Help: It is important to understand that human trafficking is illegal, and victims' immigration status does not prevent them from seeking assistance. Help and services are available, and knowing one's rights is crucial.
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Reporting: If someone is being forced into any form of activity they cannot leave, such as commercial sex or various types of labor, contacting the trafficking hotline can provide access to help and services. Victims of human trafficking are protected by both United States and Virginia laws.
The document emphasizes the need for awareness and encourages individuals to seek help for themselves or others who may be victims of human trafficking.
No Smoking Signs
Poster Summary
The Tobacco Free Workplaces and Laws document provides information on tobacco-related laws in Virginia.
Key points include:
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Selling tobacco products to minors is illegal. As of July 1, 2014, stores are prohibited from selling nicotine vapor products and alternative nicotine products to minors.
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Any workplace, agency, or establishment can choose to be smoke-free. There is no legal requirement to provide a smoking area.
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Smoking is prohibited in various areas, including schools, restaurants, bars, healthcare facilities, public restrooms, and government buildings, unless there is a separate, well-ventilated designated smoking area.
The document also discusses the posting of no-smoking signs, enforcement of tobacco-free laws, and selected actions of the U.S. government regarding tobacco sales, marketing, and use.
Occupational Safety and Health
Poster Summary
The Occupational Safety and Health document in Virginia highlights the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Law, which provides job safety and health protection for workers. Key points include:
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Purpose: The VOSH Law aims to ensure safe and healthful working conditions throughout the state by promulgating safety and health standards for employers and employees.
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Employer Responsibilities: Employers are required to provide a safe and hazard-free work environment for their employees, complying with occupational safety and health standards.
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Employee Responsibilities: Employees must follow all occupational safety and health standards, rules, regulations, and orders that apply to their job duties and conduct.
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Inspection: VOSH inspectors may conduct workplace inspections, and employers and authorized employee representatives have the right to accompany the inspector during inspections.
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Citation and Penalties: If violations of the VOSH Law occur, citations with specified correction timeframes can be issued. Penalties range from fines for serious violations to higher penalties for willful or repeated violations. Public sector employers are subject to different penalty provisions.
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Complaints and Discrimination: Employees or their representatives can file complaints with VOSH offices if they believe unsafe or unhealthy conditions exist in the workplace. Retaliation against employees exercising their rights is illegal, and discrimination complaints can be filed with the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
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Coverage and Resources: VOSH covers all public and private sector businesses in Virginia, except for certain federal agencies and industries. Voluntary consultation and training programs exist to assist employers in ensuring compliance. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry provides additional resources and addresses for accessing information and assistance.
Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnancy
Poster Summary
The Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnancy document in Virginia highlights the protections provided by the Virginia Human Rights Act.
Key points include:
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Employer Obligations: Employers with five or more employees for a 20-week period must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including lactation. However, accommodations may be denied if they impose an undue hardship on the employer.
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Protection and Non-Discrimination: In response to a request for a reasonable accommodation, employers cannot take adverse actions, deny employment or promotions, or require an employee to take leave if another reasonable accommodation is possible.
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Examples of Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations can include breaks for bathroom use, breast milk expression breaks, access to a private location for expressing breast milk, equipment modification, modified work schedules, job restructuring, light duty assignments, and temporary position transfers.
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Interactive Process: Employers must engage in a timely and good faith interactive process with the employee to determine if the requested accommodation is reasonable. If not, alternative reasonable accommodations should be discussed.
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Complaints: Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the Division of Human Rights or pursue relief through a civil action in state court.
The document provides contact information for the Division of Human Rights within the Office of the Attorney General for further assistance.
Seizure First Aid
Poster Summary
Required for employers with 25 or more employees.
The Seizure First Aid document provides guidance on how to assist someone experiencing a seizure.
Key points include:
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Stay with the person until they are awake and alert after the seizure.
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Keep the person safe by moving them away from potential harm.
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Turn the person onto their side if they are not awake and aware to ensure the airway remains clear.
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Do not restrain the person or put any objects in their mouth.
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If the person has rescue medicine prescribed by a healthcare professional, it may be administered.
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Call 911 in certain situations, such as repeated seizures, difficulty breathing, seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes, or if the person is injured, pregnant, or sick.
The publication was created by the Epilepsy Foundation in partnership with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.
Downloads
Unemployment Insurance
Poster Summary
The Unemployment Insurance document in Virginia provides information to workers regarding unemployment insurance benefits.
Key points include:
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Funding: Unemployment insurance benefits are not deducted from workers' paychecks. Employers contribute taxes to a trust fund, from which unemployment benefits are paid.
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Eligibility: Workers may apply for unemployment insurance benefits if they are totally unemployed or working reduced hours and wages.
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Filing a Claim: Workers can file a claim for benefits online via the Virginia Employment Commission site or by calling the Customer Contact Center at 1-866-832-2363. Registration for work is required for those who are totally unemployed.
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Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for benefits, workers must file a claim with the Virginia Employment Commission, have earned sufficient wages during the base period, be unemployed through no fault of their own, be available for work, and actively search for employment.
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Continued Reporting: Workers must continue to report as instructed by the Virginia Employment Commission to maintain eligibility for unemployment benefits.
The document emphasizes the importance of filing claims promptly and provides contact information for further assistance.
Downloads
Workers' Compensation Notice
Poster Summary
The Workers' Compensation Notice in Virginia informs employees about their rights and responsibilities under the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act.
Key points include:
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Employee Responsibilities: Employees should immediately notify their employer in writing about any injury or occupational disease, including the date of the incident or notice. They should also provide notice of any compensation claim beyond the seventh day of disability. In case of disagreement with the employer, employees should file an application for a hearing with the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission within two years of the accident or diagnosis.
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Employer Responsibilities: Employers should provide the employee with at least three physicians' names to choose from for treatment. They must also report the injury to the Commission through their insurance carrier or directly to the Commission. Accurate determination of the employee's average weekly wage is essential.
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Commission Contact and Information: The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is available to answer questions and provides a no-cost booklet explaining the Workers' Compensation Act. Employers must post this notice prominently in their place of business.
Important: Local jurisdictions in Virginia may have additional posting requirements. Employers must contact their local jurisdiction for specifics.
Federal Workplace Posters
Additionally, Virginia employers must display the following federally required posters, which can be downloaded here.
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Private employers, state and local governments, and educational institutions |
Federal Contractors |
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Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) |
Employee Rights on Government Contracts |
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Employee Rights for Workers with Disabilities/Special Minimum Wage |
Workers Rights Under Davis-Bacon Act |
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E-Verify Participation |
Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act |
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E-Verify Right to Work |
Pay Transparency for Nondiscrimination Provision |
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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) |
Your Rights Under the Energy Reorganization Act |
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) |
Workers Rights Under Executive Order 13658 |
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Job Safety and Health: It's the Law Workplace |
Workers Rights Under Executive Order 13706 |
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Know Your Rights |
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Your Rights Under USERRA |
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Agricultural employers and farm labor contractors:
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Have Employees in More Than One State?
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This content is owned and provided by Accountingprose LLC “AS IS,” and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, accounting, or tax advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Because laws are constantly changing, we do not represent or warranty that the content is comprehensive of all applicable laws and regulations, and/or accurate as of the date of use. You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Accountingprose LLC expressly disclaims any liability associated with your use of the content, and/or your noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations.
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