Employer Liability: Tips for Reducing Legal Risk and Avoiding Costly Lawsuits ๐๐ผ๐ฐ
As an employer, itโs essential to prioritize a safe and compliant workplace. Legal risks can be costly and can sometimes even result in lawsuits. Here are a few tips to keep your company in compliance and help avoid costly legal headaches.
Set Clear Policies and Procedures ๐๐
Setting clear policies and procedures in your workplace is an essential step in reducing legal risk and helps employees understand whatโs expected of them. These policies and procedures should be put in writing in an employee handbook. Make sure to review them periodically with your employees and update them as needed.
Conduct Employment Background Checks ๐๐
Conducting employment background checks helps identify information about prospective employees regarding their criminal history, financial history, and more. Background checks can help identify potential problems before hiring and assist in making informed hiring decisions.
Keep Your Workplace Safe ๐ง๐ทโโ๏ธ
Invest in safety equipment, training programs, and protocols to keep your employees safe. Employers must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which require working conditions to be free of known dangers that could cause serious harm.
Properly Classify Employees ๐๐ผ
Properly classify your employees to help avoid lawsuits related to employee classification. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor could result in costly legal penalties.
Provide Discrimination and Harassment Training ๐ โโ๏ธ๐ โโ๏ธ
Discrimination and harassment can lead to lawsuits and a damaged workplace culture. Regular training on these topics can help employees understand the importance of respecting one another and prevent inappropriate behavior.
Comply with Federal and State Labor Laws ๐ผ๐ฎโโ๏ธ
Itโs important to comply with federal and state labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime, leave policies, and more. Ignoring these regulations can have severe legal consequences.
Employer liability can be a significant risk. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe, compliant workplace and avoid costly legal troubles.