Top 5 Mistakes Employers Make with Texas Labor Law Posters

Texas employers are required by state and federal law to post certain labor law notices in the workplace. These posters are not just decorative—they play a crucial role in informing employees about their rights, workplace safety, wage laws, and more. Failure to comply can lead to costly penalties, employee disputes, and legal trouble.

Unfortunately, many employers make avoidable mistakes when it comes to Texas labor law posters. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing HR for a growing team, it’s essential to understand and avoid these errors.

In this post, we’ll break down the top 5 mistakes Texas employers make with labor law posters and how to fix them.

1. Not Displaying All Required Posters

🔴 The Mistake:

Many employers mistakenly believe that one federal labor law poster is enough. In reality, Texas businesses must display both federal and state-specific labor law posters. Additionally, there may be industry-specific or city-specific requirements depending on the business location and type.

✅ How to Fix It:

Make sure you have all the required posters, including:

• Federal Posters: FMLA, OSHA, EEOC, EPPA, and others.

• Texas State Posters: Texas Payday Law, Unemployment Compensation, Workers’ Compensation, and Child Labor Laws.

Check the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) websites for free printable versions or purchase an up-to-date all-in-one poster from a reputable provider.

2. Using Outdated Posters

🔴 The Mistake:

Labor laws are frequently updated. Many employers print posters once and forget about them for years. Unfortunately, outdated posters can result in fines and complaints if the information is no longer accurate.

✅ How to Fix It:

Stay current. At minimum, review and update your posters annually. Sign up for email alerts from:

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)

• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

You can also buy posters from vendors who offer “compliance update services” to send you replacements when laws change.

3. Posting in the Wrong Location

🔴 The Mistake:

Some businesses post labor law posters in places where employees rarely go—inside a manager’s office, storage closet, or breakroom that’s never used. These do not satisfy legal requirements.

✅ How to Fix It:

Post labor law notices in a conspicuous location where all employees can easily view them. Good spots include:

• Near time clocks

• In the employee breakroom

• By the entrance to a staff-only area

If your team includes remote workers, you must electronically distribute the posters or provide a link to a digital version.

4. Ignoring Bilingual Requirements

🔴 The Mistake:

Texas has a large Spanish-speaking workforce, but some employers still only display labor law posters in English. This can lead to serious compliance issues if employees can’t understand their rights.

✅ How to Fix It:

If any part of your workforce speaks Spanish and has limited English proficiency, you should post bilingual (English and Spanish) versions of required posters.

Many federal and Texas state agencies offer bilingual downloads for free. Consider using bilingual posters even if it’s not explicitly required—it helps protect your business and supports clear communication.

5. Overlooking Industry-Specific Poster Requirements

🔴 The Mistake:

Employers in specialized industries—like agriculture, construction, or health care—sometimes forget that industry-specific posters are also required. These might cover safety standards, wages, or seasonal employment guidelines.

✅ How to Fix It:

Research whether your business falls under any industry-specific laws. Common examples include:

• Agricultural Workers: Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA) posters.

• Federal Contractors: Must post specific EEO and wage notices.

• Healthcare Facilities: May need additional OSHA and HIPAA notices.

Check with your state agency or industry trade group for poster checklists tailored to your field.

Bonus Tips to Ensure Full Compliance

Here are a few extra steps you can take to keep your Texas labor law poster compliance on track:

• 📅 Set a Calendar Reminder: Mark your calendar to review posters every January.

• 🖨️ Print From Official Sources: Use TWC and DOL sites to ensure you’re using legitimate posters.

• 🧑‍💼 Train HR or Office Managers: Make poster compliance part of someone’s job duties.

• 🖥️ Use a Poster Compliance Service: These vendors update you automatically when laws change.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to follow labor law poster regulations can lead to:

• ⚠️ Fines: Federal fines can range from $110 to over $35,000 per violation.

• ⚠️ Employee Disputes: Workers may file claims if they weren’t properly informed of their rights.

• ⚠️ Legal Trouble: Non-compliance could strengthen an employee’s case in labor disputes or lawsuits.

Final Thoughts

Texas Labor law posters are more than just required paperwork—they’re a vital part of a fair and transparent workplace. By avoiding these top 5 mistakes, Texas employers can protect their business, foster trust with employees, and stay on the right side of the law.

Make sure your posters are current, complete, bilingual if needed, in the right place, and tailored to your industry. With just a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to full labor law compliance.