Ohio Laws Relating to Workplace Violence

A summary of Ohio laws relating to weapons and conduct that impact workplace violence.

In Ohio it is unlawful to carry a deadly or dangerous weapon concealed on one's person. The prohibition does not apply to law enforcement agents.

Also exempt from the prohibition are the following circumstances:

• the weapon was carried for defensive purposes while the holder was going to or from the holder's home or lawful business/occupation and the holder or the holder's family was, at the time, particularly susceptible to criminal attack
• the weapon was carried for any lawful purpose while in the holder's own home
• the weapon was being transported in a motor vehicle for any lawful purpose and was not on the holder's person and, if a firearm, was carried in compliance with the law

Nothing in this law negates or restricts a rule, policy, or practice of a private employer that is not a private college, university, or other institution of higher education concerning or prohibiting the presence of firearms on the private employer's premises or property, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer.

In addition, nothing in this statute requires a private employer of that nature to adopt a rule, policy, or practice concerning or prohibiting the presence of firearms on the private employer's premises or property, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer.

A private employer is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to a licensee bringing a handgun onto the premises or property of the private employer, including motor vehicles owned by the private employer, unless the private employer acted with malicious purposes. A private employer is immune from liability in a civil action for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly was caused by or related to the private employer's decision to permit a licensee to bring, or prohibit a licensee from bringing, a handgun onto the premises or property of the private employer.

Private employer includes a private college, university, or other institution of higher education.

Employers may post signs prohibiting weapons from being brought on the premises of the workplace. Some employers, including specified public employers, are required to post such signs.