Operating a business involves much more than selling a product or service. It also involves staying abreast of different laws and regulations, and making sure that your company is in compliance. With that in mind, the following four legal issues are definitely among the most important topics company owners should pay close attention to this year:
Handling Hazardous Materials
If your business handles hazardous materials in any way, either through manufacturing a product or removing them from homes and businesses, it is important to research any risks associated with coming in contact with these substances. For example, companies that handle asbestos removal must be keenly aware of the health issues that can result from the fiber. Consulting with a legal professional that specializes in this area of law is definitely a good idea. Attorneys can help business owners stay on top of any legal issues concerning hazardous materials as well as offer advice on staying compliant.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
If you have employees, it is very important to be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA allows eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. During this time, the employee will have continuation of his or her group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees are entitled to 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for a number of reasons, including the birth of a child, a serious health condition and/or to care for the employee’s spouse, child or parent who has a serious health condition. FMLA also allows for 26 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period to care for a covered service member who has suffered a serious injury or illness.
Sexual Harassment
The laws concerning sexual harassment are also extremely important to be aware of, as well as enact in the workplace. As the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains, it is against the law to harass an applicant or an employee because of the person’s gender. This harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other physical or verbal harassment that is sexual in nature. It is important to note that harassment does not have to specifically refer to sex — for example, it is against the law to harass a man or woman by making negative comments about men and/or women. That’s why hiring the best sexual harassment lawyer NYC is necessary to help your company strengthen its policies, prevent, and fight sexual harassment at the workplace.
Arbitration Agreements
Arbitration is one of those legal areas that is definitely significant, but can be confusing to fully grasp. If there are issues between you and your landlord over office conditions, if a customer or vendor has a dispute with a contract, or an employee alleges that he was unfairly fired, you may end up in court, or you may choose a Alternative Dispute Resolution like arbitration. More companies than ever are now requiring binding arbitration as a condition of doing business with them, mainly in part because it can be less expensive than litigation. Reading up on arbitration agreements to see if you should require them is a prudent choice.
As a busy business owner, it can be challenging to find time to research, read about and/or consult with attorneys about these legal issues. However, because these four legal considerations are so important and, if not followed, may lead to much more time-consuming issues later on, it is crucial to pay close attention to these topics and seek out legal advice when needed.
