Contributed Article
From Amber Shultz, Secretary
KDOL Communications

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) is urging employers across the state to take active measures to combat human trafficking within the workforce. Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that harms the well-being of workers, disrupts legitimate business operations, and undermines the integrity of the labor market.

“Human trafficking is not only a violation of basic human rights but also a serious threat to ethical business operations,” said Amber Shultz, Kansas Secretary of Labor. “Employers play a pivotal role in identifying and preventing these crimes to ensure safe, fair and lawful working environments.”

Human trafficking can be difficult to identify, but there are common signs employers and managers should be aware of, including: signs of physical abuse, always having another person present when communicating with others, limited or no access to personal identification documents, living and working in isolated conditions, largely cut off from interaction with others or support systems.

Here are some specific suggestions as to what actions can be taken: download KDOL’s updated Stop Human Trafficking in Kansas poster at dol.ks.gov/employers/workplace-laws/posters-in-the-workplace, create a safe space for an employee to share their concerns, educate your team on the signs of human trafficking, report suspicious activity to the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or contact local authorities.

As part of KDOL’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, we urge all employers to be vigilant in recognizing the signs of human trafficking. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and your awareness can play a critical role in identifying potential victims. Your awareness and actions can make a difference in someone’s life.