The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has rolled out new self-audit programs, empowering employers, unions, and pension plans to proactively review and strengthen their compliance with federal labor laws.
DOL Self-audit Programs
The DOL’s self-audit programs include programs from six federal agencies. These programs can help employers review compliance, correct violations, and minimize the risk of investigations or litigation. The following agencies provide these programs:
- Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) - EBSA offers two key programs for correcting benefit plan violations:
- The Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program helps employers address ERISA violations.
- The Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program encourages timely reporting and reduces late-filing penalties.
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) - MSHA’s new Compliance Assistance in Safety and Health program offers resources on key safety and health topics.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - OSHA is expanding its Voluntary Protection Programs for regular self-evaluations and increasing no-cost, confidential safety and health services for small and mid-sized businesses through its On-Site Consultation Program.
- Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) - OLMS offers unions the Voluntary Compliance Partnership program to self-assess compliance with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.
- Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) - VETS introduced SALUTE: Support and Assistance for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment, a new program to help employers review their policies and practices under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
- Wage and Hour Divisions (WHD) - WHD is relaunching its Payroll Audit and Independent Determination program to help employers address wage, overtime, and leave violations under the FLSA and FMLA.
Employer Takeaways
Employers can use these self-audit programs to identify and correct legal issues. For more resources and guidance, visit the DOL’s self-audit programs website. Download the bulletin for more details.
