It’s imperative for employers to understand and strictly adhere to employment laws. This area of the law protects employees from unfair compensation, an unsafe work environment, and relationships that are disrespectful and dangerous.

The New Haven, CT, business lawyers at Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C. are committed to ensuring their clients have a full understanding of what it takes to run a business legally. Below, they highlight some major areas of employment law that should not be overlooked.

Wages & Leave

Under federal employment law, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, although this may be higher in some states. Additionally, most employers are required to pay their staff overtime when it is applicable. However, some professions are exempt from overtime pay, such as taxi drivers, news editors, and farm workers.

Employees are also protected by the Family Medical Leave Act. If an employer staffs at least 50 people, they are required to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave for workers who meet the request requirements and have been employed for at least 12 months. Eligible requests for FMLA include delivering or caring for a newborn, tending to sick family members, and developing a serious health condition.

Safety & Workers’ Compensation

Every industry is required to uphold the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s strict safety guidelines. These regulations include maintaining a safe, hazard-free work environment and reporting any injuries sustained by employees while they are on-the-job. Business owners must also provide accident coverage through OSHA or an OSHA-approved health plan—failure to provide workers compensation benefits is a federal offense and could result in a lawsuit.  

Relationships & Environment

Business owners should do everything they can to create a discrimination-free environment. Discriminatory actions are serious offenses that can derive from anything from gender and religion to sexuality and disabilities. As such, employers need to ensure that their entire staff is aware of the consequences that will be brought about by such behavior.

Additionally, business owners should be aware of employment laws surrounding sexual harassment. This type of harassment includes physical and verbal instances of unwanted sexual advances and innuendos. Victims are protected by Title VII, and it’s the employer’s duty to prevent and maintain protocol when faced with sexual harassment allegations.

Running a business legally requires knowing and abiding by complex employment laws. If you’re a business owner in New Haven, CT, and you have questions regarding this area of the law, the highly qualified business lawyers at Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C. can help. Visit their website for more information on their practice areas or give them a call today at (203) 789-0001.