What legal steps can a business owner in Ohio take to prevent workplace discrimination and harassment against their employees?

As a business owner in Ohio, there are several legal steps you can take to prevent workplace discrimination and harassment against your employees:

1. Develop and Implement a Strong Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy: In order to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace, every business should develop and implement a strong anti-discrimination and harassment policy. This policy should cover all aspects of workplace behavior, including language and actions that could be perceived as discriminatory, and should establish clear procedures for employees to report any incidents of discrimination or harassment.

2. Educate Employees and Managers: All employees and managers should be educated about anti-discrimination and harassment policies and procedures, including what constitutes discriminatory behavior and how to report incidents. This training should be repeated periodically to ensure that all employees are aware of the policies and understand the procedures for reporting discrimination or harassment.

3. Take Prompt Action to Investigate and Address Complaints: If an employee reports that they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment, the business owner should take prompt action to investigate the complaint and take appropriate steps to address the situation. This may include disciplining the employee who engaged in discriminatory or harassing behavior, providing training to prevent future incidents, or terminating employment if necessary.

4. Conduct Regular Audits and Assessments: Regular audits and assessments of the workplace culture and policies can help identify any potential issues with discrimination or harassment, and enable business owners to take corrective action before problems escalate.

5. Comply with Ohio and Federal Employment Laws: Business owners should be familiar with all Ohio and federal employment laws related to discrimination and harassment, including the Ohio Fair Employment Practices Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Compliance with these laws is critical to preventing discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

There are some limitations or exceptions to the advice given above. For example, some businesses may be exempt from certain anti-discrimination laws if they are exempt under the law. Additionally, there may be other considerations to take into account based on the specific circumstances of your business or industry.

If you are concerned about discrimination or harassment in your workplace, you should consult with a licensed attorney to discuss your options and develop a strategy for addressing the situation.