WHAT WE DO & WHAT WE DON'T
Understanding ODOL's Role
Here's a quick guide to what ODOL handles and where to turn when your issue falls outside our authority.
What We Do
ODOL enforces Oklahoma labor laws, licenses regulated industries, conducts safety inspections, and provides free guidance to employers and employees across the state.
Worker Protections
Enforce wage and hour laws, including unpaid wages and minimum wage
Overtime compliance
Child labor law enforcement
Workplace Safety
Free, confidential OSHA Consultation Services for private employers
Workplace safety oversight for public sector employees (PEOSH)
Safety data collection via PEOSH, PSEC survey, and cooperative BLS reporting
Licensing & Regulation
Alarm, locksmith, and fire sprinkler
Alternative fuels
Amusement rides
Boilers and pressure vessels
Elevators and escalators
Asbestos abatement
Welding
Inspections & Compliance
Amusement ride safety inspections and compliance
Boiler and pressure vessel inspections and compliance
Elevator and escalator inspections and compliance
Asbestos abatement regulation and worker safety enforcement
Alarm and locksmith company regulation
Welder certification
Alternative fuels programs and safety standards oversight
Guidance & Education
Guidance to employers and employees on Oklahoma labor law compliance
Compliance promotion through enforcement and accountability
What We Don't Do
Some issues are handled by other state or federal agencies. Use the information below to find the right place for help.
Workforce & Employment Services
ODOL does not provide job training, workforce development, or employment services.
For employment services
Oklahoma CareerTechFor career training and education programs
Oklahoma WorksFor job search help, resume assistance, and career resources
Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation ServicesFor vocational rehabilitation or disability employment services
Unemployment Benefits
ODOL does not handle unemployment benefits.
(405) 557-7100
Private Sector Safety Complaints
ODOL does not investigate workplace safety or health complaints for private sector employees.
1-800-321-6742
Workers' Rights & Benefits
Workers' Compensation
ODOL does not handle workers' compensation claims or disputes.
(405) 522-5308
Employee Benefits
ODOL does not assist with employer-sponsored retirement or health benefit plans such as 401(k) or COBRA.
1-866-444-3272
Discrimination & Harassment
ODOL does not handle workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation claims, or ADA enforcement.
1-800-669-4000
Office of Civil Rights Enforcement(405) 521-3921
Wages & Federal Law
Federal Wage & Labor Laws
ODOL does not enforce federal minimum wage, overtime, tips, or prevailing wage requirements (Davis-Bacon Act).
1-866-487-9243
Wage Rates & Raises
ODOL does not set wage rates or require raises beyond what is established by law.
1-866-487-9243
Taxes & Classification
State Taxes & Worker Classification
ODOL does not handle state tax issues or determine employee misclassification for tax purposes.
(405) 521-3160
Federal Tax Classification
ODOL does not determine federal classifications such as employee vs. independent contractor.
1-800-829-1040
Work Permits for Minors
ODOL does not issue work permits. These are issued by schools using forms provided by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
School principals access forms through the SDE portal
Oklahoma State Department of Education — School ChoiceHomeschool families access forms through the School Choice resources page
Business & Economic Development
Starting a Business
ODOL does not assist with business registration, planning, development services, or funding.
Economic Development Incentives
ODOL does not create or administer economic development incentives.
Or your local economic development organization
Business Advocacy
ODOL does not function as a business advocacy organization.
Or your local chamber of commerce
Labor Relations & Immigration
Labor Relations & Unions
ODOL does not enforce the National Labor Relations Act or handle union-related matters.
Immigration & Work Authorization
ODOL does not handle immigration or work authorization issues.
Disability Services
Disability Services & Advocacy
ODOL does not provide services or advocacy specific to individuals with disabilities.
Industries Outside ODOL's Authority
Construction Industry Licensing
ODOL does not license electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, building inspectors, or home inspectors.
Water Wells & Pump Installation
ODOL does not license water well or pump installation.
Food Service & Health Inspections
ODOL does not handle food service or health inspections.
Legal & Regulatory
Legal Advice & Representation
ODOL does not provide legal representation or mediate general workplace disputes unrelated to wage claims or safety.
Regulatory Expansion
ODOL does not expand regulatory programs without legislative authority and resources. Regulatory authority is established by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Not sure where to start?
If you're unsure where your issue falls, contact ODOL and we'll help point you in the right direction.
409 NE 28th St, 3rd Floor, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: (405) 521-6100 | Toll free: (888) 269-5353
Fax: (405) 521-6018 | Email: labor.info@labor.ok.gov
