Department of Labor and Industry – Harrisburg, PA

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry

Workforce and Economic Security

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) is a cabinet-level state agency headquartered in the massive Labor and Industry Building near the State Capitol. Its broad mandate is to promote economic development, ensure workplace safety, and provide a financial safety net for the Commonwealth’s workforce. Key public-facing services include the administration of Unemployment Compensation (UC) for those who have lost jobs through no fault of their own, and the oversight of the Workers’ Compensation system for employees injured on the job. The department acts as a mediator in labor disputes and enforces wage and hour laws, ensuring that workers receive the minimum wage and overtime pay they are legally owed.

Safety and Compliance

Beyond financial benefits, L&I is the primary enforcer of building and equipment safety standards across the state. The Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety inspects elevators, boilers, and amusement rides to prevent accidents. Additionally, the department oversees the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), certifying building code officials and ensuring that construction projects meet safety requirements. The agency also regulates the remediation of hazardous materials like lead and asbestos in public buildings.

Vocational Rehabilitation

A major division within the department is the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), which assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining employment. OVR counselors work directly with clients to provide job training, assistive technology, and placement services. While the headquarters houses the administrative leadership for these programs, the building also serves as a central point for policy-making that affects employers and employees throughout the state. Visitors to the Labor and Industry Building for hearings or meetings must pass through security and check in at the main lobby.