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If you own a business, it is important that you know at least some aspect of employment law. For instance, if you ever get sued by a former employee, knowing your rights and theirs will be helpful. Part of being informed about employment law also means ensuring that you have a reliable employment lawyer on hand should anything ever happen, and you are required to appear in court. A lawyer can be a great resource even if you just need to sign some paperwork and want to better understand it. If you are a business owner who wants to know more about employment law, keep reading.
1. Safety Rules
It is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that working conditions are safe for employees. In order to ensure that business owners are doing this, there are certain rules and regulations that are set in place to keep employees safe. For instance, you are required to provide specific safety data sheets to your employees if there is a harmful chemical on your worksite that could potentially cause them harm.
2. Child Labour Laws
If you happen to employ students or young people in general, ensure you are well-versed in child labour laws. Although students are allowed to work outside of school hours, those under the age of 16 have more restrictions, such as the number of hours they are allowed to work and the time of day they can work. In some instances, the employer may even require the explicit permission of the parent in order to have the child work for them. Again, these regulations and restrictions vary by age.
3. Hiring Employment Lawyers
If you are facing any legal problems, you will want an expert by your side. The last thing you want is to go into a legal situation without any proper representation on your side. Be sure to hire not just an attorney but an attorney that is specifically trained in employment law. An employment lawyer will know all the laws regarding employment from front to back, so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. Not only that, but they will know what action to take and can counsel you in the right direction.
4. Termination of Employment
When terminating an employee, you are legally required to give notice in most instances. Otherwise, you would have to provide compelling evidence that justifies the termination without notice or give monetary compensation in lieu of notice. If you are unsure whether or not the potential termination of an employee is within their rights, you can always speak to an employment lawyer who may have all the answers that you need. Do not hesitate to reach out and ask any questions you may have. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry—or sued.
You may also like: When to Hire an Employment Lawyer
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