In 2015, the US Department of Labor (DOL) will be performing investigations targeting the landscape industry for the fourth year in a row. Do you worry that you'll be chosen for an audit from the DOL? To help you prepare your business for an audit, it's a good idea to review your obligations according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

According to a representative of the DOL Wage & Hour Division, the typical violations found in the landscaping industry include:

• Not including breaks lasting less than 30 minutes as hours worked
• Failing to include bonuses into the regular rate when computing overtime
• Misclassification of employees as independent contractors
• Paying straight time for overtime
• Banking hours worked
• Failing to combine hours for different duties and pay rates
• Misclassification of non-exempt salaried employees as exempt salaried employees

The DOL has some guides and information to help employers understand the rules they enforce. Additionally, ALCC has scheduled presentations with a DOL representative in the Denver, Southern, and Northern Chapters later this month. The event will cover the Fair Labor Standards Act and what DOL looks for when they perform an audit. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. We have been assured that the audience will remain anonymous; no individual or company names will be given to USDOL. To register for an event near you, visit the ALCC event calendar or call 303 757-5611.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Secrets of a former DOL auditor
Colorado rises high in LEED building stats
Soils Support Urban Life
Bee population on the rise