Ever get a phone call from a company trying to sell you workplace posters? Hold on…it might be a scam. “Required postings” scams have exploded in number over the last few years and have been reported by cities and other employers from coast to coast. One sign it’s a scam is if the person on the other end tells you that there have been changes to regulations and that “you must purchase the latest OSHA posters” or else you’ll be “out of compliance.” Often these scammers will attempt to sound like they represent a government agency. They may send “official looking” announcements or even threatening notices warning of fines or penalties if you don’t purchase the “updated” postings. This couldn’t be further from the truth. These companies don’t represent OSHA or any other government agency. They are private businesses, trying to make a quick buck through misrepresentation and deceit.
The fact is Minnesota law does require employers to post state-mandated posters; however, these posters are available for FREE from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Although there have been some design changes to the State’s posters, the regulations described in the posters have not changed, so employers do not need to replace their current poster set. You do not have to pay anything to be in compliance with Minnesota’s required postings. These required postings include Safety and Health on the job, Minimum Wage, Age Discrimination, Unemployment, and Workers’ Compensation, and must be posted in a conspicuous location in the workplace (Note: in addition to the state posting requirements, some U.S. Government agencies require postings, such as the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission).
You can request your
FREE posters (available in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali) by phone, email, snail mail, or electronically via DLI’s website by visiting the web address below.
Simply click on “
Order free, mandatory workplace posters online.”
You can even print your posters directly from DLI’s website.
From the printer to the bulletin board! For more information visit:
http://www.dli.mn.gov/LS/Posters.asp
So if you receive a call or letter and suspect a scam, get a name and address, do some fact-checking, and then, if necessary report the incident to your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). That way, we’ll all be doing our part to “keep ‘em honest.”
As summer approaches, cities begin to think about special events. Often times, these celebrations may involve fireworks, or something similar called "Sky Lanterns." Sky lanterns are made of paper, wire and a small fuel pad. When the inside is lit, the heat helps to raise them skyward like a small hot air balloon. Essentially, they are a type of floating fire ball that goes wherever the wind may carry it. 