Pennsylvania Code Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Pennsylvania Code Title 34 is a comprehensive body of regulations related to Labor and Industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It's administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. This title covers a vast array of topics aimed at protecting workers, ensuring fair labor practices, promoting workplace safety, and managing various compensation and benefit programs.
Here's a breakdown of the major parts and key topics within Title 34:
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry: This is a broad section covering general provisions and many safety and regulatory aspects:
General Provisions: Foundational rules and definitions.
Boiler and Unfired Pressure Vessel Regulations: Rules for the safe operation and inspection of boilers and other pressure vessels.
Blasting, Demolition, Fireworks, and Explosives: Regulations concerning the safe handling and use of explosive materials and related activities.
Construction and Repairs: Safety standards and requirements for construction work.
Elevators, Lifts, Escalators, Dumbwaiters, Hoists, and Tramways: Safety regulations for vertical transportation systems.
Employment and Wages: This crucial section includes:
Minimum Wage: Regulations pertaining to the state's minimum wage.
Wage Payment and Collection: Rules on how and when wages must be paid, and mechanisms for collecting unpaid wages.
Prevailing Wage: Detailed regulations for public works projects, ensuring that contractors pay workers a "prevailing wage" (base wage rate plus fringe benefits) determined by the Department of Labor and Industry. This applies to construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, and repair work on public projects costing $25,000 or more.
Employment of Minors (Child Labor): Rules governing the employment of individuals under a certain age, including prohibited occupations, hours of labor, and the requirement for employment certificates.
Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas: Safety regulations for the storage and handling of these materials.
Flammable and Combustible Liquids: Rules for the safe storage and use of such liquids.
Industrial Home Work: Regulations for work performed by employees in their homes.
Migrant Labor: Specific rules addressing conditions for migrant workers.
Safety Standards - General: Broad safety standards applicable across various industries.
Sanitation: Regulations related to workplace hygiene and sanitation.
Uniform Construction Code (UCC): Adoption and enforcement of building codes.
Part II - Bureau of Employment Security:
This part primarily deals with Unemployment Compensation, outlining eligibility, benefit determination, claims procedures, and employer contributions.
Part III - Bureau of Social Security for Public Employees:
Covers regulations related to Social Security for public employees in Pennsylvania.
Part IV - Apprenticeship and Training Council:
Regulations concerning apprenticeship programs in the state, including registration, standards, and the role of the Apprenticeship and Training Council.
Part V - Labor Relations Board:
Rules governing labor relations in Pennsylvania, including collective bargaining, unfair labor practices, and union representation.
Part VI - Unemployment Compensation Board of Review:
Details the procedures for appeals related to unemployment compensation decisions.
Part VII - Workers' Compensation Appeal Board:
Outlines the processes and procedures for appeals related to workers' compensation claims.
Part VIII - Bureau of Workers' Compensation:
This is a significant part covering all aspects of Workers' Compensation in Pennsylvania, which provides benefits to employees injured on the job or suffering from occupational diseases. This includes:
Eligibility for benefits.
Medical treatment and compensation for lost wages.
Employer obligations, including mandatory coverage for most employers.
Self-insurance requirements.
Claims procedures and administration.
Part X - Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety:
Focuses on maintaining and enforcing workplace safety standards across various industries, ensuring safe working environments for employees.
Part XI - Prevailing Wage:
Although covered in part under "Employment and Wages," this part specifically reinforces and expands on the application of prevailing wage requirements for public works projects.
Part XII - Bureau of Labor Law Compliance:
This bureau is responsible for monitoring and enforcing various Pennsylvania labor laws, including minimum wage, wage payment and collection, and prevailing wage. It also covers laws related to child labor, seasonal farm labor, and misclassification of construction employees.
Part XIII - Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act:
Regulations implementing the Worker and Community Right-to-Know Act, which requires employers to provide information about hazardous substances in the workplace to employees and the community.
Part XIV - Uniform Construction Code:
Further details and specific applications of the Uniform Construction Code in Pennsylvania.
In essence, Pennsylvania Code Title 34 is the backbone of the state's labor and industry regulations, aiming to create a fair, safe, and regulated working environment for employees while providing clear guidelines and responsibilities for employers and various state boards and agencies.
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