From a legal and regulatory standpoint, the small business field is full of landmines. Rules on workplace safety, employment practices, taxes and lots more require constant vigilance by business owners. It's easy to screw up. But this issue of WhatWorks offers critical help in key areas you need to watch out for, including building code violations, work hours and "on-call" regulations, hiring foreign labor, OSHA rules and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.

Building Codes
Avoiding Common Building Code Violations
By Frances Sharpe
A visit from the local building inspector or fire marshal can make a small business owner break into a cold sweat. Code violations can result in a citation, fines and costly repairs. In the worst-case scenario, your company can be held liable if building code violations contribute to the injury or loss of life of a customer or employee. Here's what you need to know... Read Full Guide

Employment Rules
Work Hours and On-Call Regulations
By Wendy Davis
If you run a locksmith, plumbing or other business that needs employees available on a standby basis after hours, the federal government has some rules for you. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) may require you to pay employees for time spent on call — even if no calls actually come in. If you do have to pay for this time, and it adds up to more than 40 hours a week (either alone or combined with regular working hours) you'll have to pay overtime, or time-and-a-half... Read Full Guide

Disabilities Act
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
By Carrie Thorson
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides certain rights for disabled individuals in the workplace as well as areas such as public services and transportation, public accommodations and telecommunications. In the workplace, the ADA applies to companies with 15 or more employees. Here's what you need to know: Read Full Guide

Workplace Safety
OSHA Requirements for Small Business
By Judith Earley
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guards against hazards in the workplace, particularly in construction and manufacturing. Its inspectors may show up at a business without warning and can hand out heavy fines. Employees have a right to see a compliance plan for their company that promises: Read Full Guide

Foreign Workers
Properly Hiring Foreign Labor
By Charles Dervarics
Despite the national debate over immigration, your business can properly hire foreign labor under certain criteria. Foreigners with special skills have the best chance to get hired, but the door also is open to others as well. You'll need government certification to get a visa for a foreign worker, and your first task is to master the various visa categories that apply to foreign labor. Here's how: Read Full Guide