As an employer, itโ€™s 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 ๐Ÿ“„๐Ÿ“

Setting clear policies and procedures in your workplace is an essential step in reducing legal risk and helps employees understand whatโ€™s 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.

A picture of an employee handbook

Conduct Employment Background Checks ๐Ÿ”Ž๐Ÿ”

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.

A picture of a magnifying glass examining a resume

Keep Your Workplace Safe ๐Ÿšง๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏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.

A picture of a worker wearing a hardhat

Properly Classify Employees ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ’ผ

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.

A picture of a chart with employee classifications

Provide Discrimination and Harassment Training ๐Ÿ™…โ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ™…โ€โ™‚๏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.

A picture of a seminar on diversity and inclusion

Comply with Federal and State Labor Laws ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ‘ฎโ€โ™€๏ธ

Itโ€™s 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.

A picture of a law book

Employer liability can be a significant risk. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe, compliant workplace and avoid costly legal troubles.

A picture of a team of employees working in a pleasant and safe environment