Behind the Scenes of Safety and Fairness: What the Utah Labor Commission Does for You

From workplace safety to housing fairness, the Utah Labor Commission plays a vital role in protecting the rights and well-being of all Utahns—often in ways you might not expect.

When you hear the name “Utah Labor Commission,” what comes to mind? If you’re like most Utahns, you might associate it with workplace safety — and you’d be partially right. But the truth is, the Utah Labor Commission does much more, quietly working behind the scenes every day to protect workers, support employers, and make our communities safer and fairer for everyone.

This article pulls back the curtain to explore what the Labor Commission is, what it does, and why its work matters to you — whether you’re clocking in for work, riding an elevator, or renting a place to live.

A Mission That Touches Everyone

The Utah Labor Commission is a state agency whose mission is “to achieve safety in Utah’s workplaces and fairness in employment and housing.” It accomplishes this through five major divisions, each dedicated to a different part of that mission. While its work often goes unnoticed, its impact can be found in places you might not expect.

Utah Occupational Safety and Health (UOSH)

The most widely recognized division is UOSH — Utah’s version of OSHA — which enforces workplace safety laws and regulations. Their job is to help make sure you come home safe at the end of your workday.

But what many people don’t know is that UOSH has a Consultation Program that offers free, voluntary safety inspections for businesses. That’s right — if you’re an employer, you can request a team of state safety experts to review your worksite and offer recommendations, all without the fear of penalties. It’s one of the ways the Labor Commission helps employers prevent accidents before they happen.

Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD)

UALD plays a key role in ensuring fairness in the workplace and housing market. This division investigates complaints of employment and housing discrimination, enforcing laws that protect people from being treated unfairly based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, and more.

They also enforce Utah’s minimum wage and youth labor laws, making sure workers are paid fairly and minors are protected on the job. Additionally, UALD helps eligible public service workers apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs.

Industrial Accidents Division

When a workplace injury happens, the Industrial Accidents Division steps in. This division administers Utah’s Workers’ Compensation Act, ensuring that injured workers receive the support and coverage they’re entitled to under state law.

They also resolve disputes between injured employees and insurance carriers or employers, helping to navigate complex cases and ensure fair treatment during a difficult time.

Boiler, Elevator and Coal Mine Safety Division

Next time you step into an elevator, thank the Boiler, Elevator and Coal Mine Safety Division. This division is responsible for inspecting every elevator, escalator, boiler, and pressure vessel in public buildings across the state — from schools and hospitals to office buildings.

They also operate the Office of Coal Mine Safety in Price, Utah, and oversee the certification of coal miners, administering five different exams to ensure miners are trained and qualified to work safely underground.

Adjudication Division

When legal disputes arise in the workplace — whether it’s a denied workers’ compensation claim, a discrimination complaint, or a contested UOSH citation — the Adjudication Division gets involved.

This team of Employment Law Judges and legal professionals conducts formal hearings and renders decisions to resolve cases fairly and impartially, based on the law and the evidence.

Why It Matters to You

Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, a tenant, or a teacher — the Utah Labor Commission is working for you.

It helps make sure your workplace is safe.
It protects your right to be treated fairly at work and at home.
It ensures you’re covered if you’re injured on the job.
It enforces standards that keep elevators and other people movers and boilers safe.
It provides a legal path to resolve disputes with fairness and professionalism.

In short, the Utah Labor Commission exists to protect your safety, your rights, and your livelihood — and that’s something every Utahn should know.

Learn More

To explore more about the Utah Labor Commission and its services, visit laborcommission.utah.gov. Whether you’re looking for workplace safety resources, need help with a claim, or want to understand your rights, their website is a valuable resource for all Utah residents.