Falling foul of the law as an employer can leave you in hot water in more ways than one. There are multiple ways you can expose yourself and your business to litigation, which can impact your reputation and the viability of your business.

But what exactly do you need to do to avoid unintentional or even intentional law-breaking and protect yourself and your business?

Know Employment Laws

Unlawful termination of employees is a fast way to land yourself in legal trouble. Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding terminating employees. Still, a general rule of thumb is that if you fire someone for anything less than poor performance, they can file a wrongful termination claim against you.

When terminating employees, always ensure you follow the legal guidelines and have proof and documentation supporting the reason for termination and/or a contract stating why a person can be terminated if this isn’t possible.

Avoid Discrimination

There are many ways people can face workplace discrimination, such as unequal pay, denial of promotions, or harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or age. Being aware of the laws surrounding this can help you avoid getting in trouble.

Laws around discrimination mean that you can not discriminate against

  • Age (over 40)
  • Sexual preferences
  • Gender identify
  • Marital status
  • Dependants (children)
  • Disability
  • Genetic information
  • Pregnancy
  • Religion

If you find yourself the victim of a discrimination lawsuit, you must talk to a lawyer to learn your options.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual discrimination is something people experience on a regular basi. While it’s something predominantly experienced by women in the workplace or employees, sexual harassment can be something anyone of any gender can be guilty of.

It’s imperative that you’re aware of what physical actions and verbal communications are classed as sexual harassment so that your employees feel safe from sexual harassment in the workplace. However, suppose your employee or multiple employees feel they are being subjected to this from you as the owner and file a claim against you. In that case, you will need an expert Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyer to help you. However, knowledge is key to avoid ending up in this position in the first place.

Neglecting OSHA

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is responsible for ensuring that all workplaces adhere to minimum health and safety practices. It does this through inspections, investigations, and regulation enforcement.

As an employer, you need to ensure that your workplace or business is safe for all people who need to access it, be it visitors, employees, or customers. You need to be aware of and identify any hazards or risks that might be present and work to eliminate them or protect against harm. From mopping up spills on floors to providing PPE for more hazardous environments and providing training for employees who need to use equipment or work at height. Neglecting to do this can not only result in injury or death, but it also opens you up for claims to be made against you for any harm that comes out due to your business. These claims can lead to legal battles, financial penalties, and damage to your business’s reputation.