What are the steps that a small business needs to take to comply with labor laws in Pennsylvania?

As a lawyer, I would advise small businesses in Pennsylvania to take the following steps to comply with labor laws:

1. Know the legal requirements: Small businesses must know and comply with the labor laws in Pennsylvania, which include wage and hour laws, discrimination laws, occupational safety and health laws, unemployment compensation laws, and workers' compensation laws.
2. Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the type of business, permits and licenses may be required. For example, businesses involving minors, such as child care, may need to obtain child labor permits.
3. Follow wage laws: Pennsylvania has a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, and employers must pay employees the highest rate between the state minimum wage and the federal minimum wage if applicable. Overtime must be paid to non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a week at a rate of 1.5 times their regular pay rate.
4. Comply with anti-discrimination laws: Employers must not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, and other protected classes.
5. Provide a safe work environment: Employers must follow occupational safety and health laws, which require them to provide a safe work environment and protect workers from hazards.
6. Provide workers' compensation insurance: Employers must provide workers' compensation insurance to employees, which covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their job.
7. Provide unemployment compensation insurance: Employers must contribute to the state's unemployment compensation fund, which provides benefits to eligible employees who become unemployed through no fault of their own.

In addition to these steps, small businesses may also want to consult with a lawyer or human resources professional to ensure full compliance with all applicable labor laws. Failure to comply with labor laws can result in penalties and potential legal action, so it is important to take these steps seriously and stay informed of any changes to labor laws in Pennsylvania.