Employers have a legal and ethical obligation known as the “duty of care,” which requires them to act with reasonable caution and take necessary measures to prevent harm and protect the people in their care, such as employees[6].
Core duties of an employer include:
- Providing a Safe Workplace: Employers must ensure the work environment is free from known hazards, comply with safety regulations, and take proactive steps to prevent accidents and injuries[1][3][5].
- Complying with Legal Requirements: This involves adherence to health and safety laws, such as those outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), recordkeeping of workplace incidents, and providing workers’ compensation where required[1][4][5].
- Paying Employees Correctly and On Time: Employers must pay agreed-upon wages, process payments on schedule, and ensure that benefits and deductions are made appropriately[2][3][4].
- Providing Tools and Necessary Resources: Employers must supply the equipment, tools, and materials required for employees to perform their work safely and efficiently[2][3].
- Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Preventing Discrimination: Employers are obligated to maintain a workplace free of discrimination and harassment, comply with anti-discrimination laws, and treat all employees equitably regardless of protected characteristics[2][4].
- Establishing and Communicating Safety Policies: They should develop clear health and safety procedures, ensure employees understand them, and provide training as necessary[1][3][5].
- Supporting Employee Well-Being: Employers should ensure that workplace conditions protect both the physical and psychological health of their employees, addressing issues such as workplace violence or exposure to domestic, family, or sexual violence at work[2].
- Respect and Fair Treatment: Employers must treat employees with respect and enforce policies that protect against harassment or unfair treatment[2].
- Notification and Documentation: In many jurisdictions, employers must provide written notice of contract termination or layoffs, or pay in lieu of notice. They must also maintain proper records of injuries, illnesses, and other employment matters[2][5].
Fulfilling these duties not only helps to safeguard employees’ welfare but also protects businesses from legal and financial repercussions associated with negligence or non-compliance[1][4][6].
References
- [1] Employer Liability: Roles, Responsibilities and Risks You Need to Understand
- [2] Rights and Responsibilities of Employers and Employees
- [3] What are the responsibilities of an employer?
- [4] 5 Important Legal Obligations You Have as an Employer
- [5] Employer Responsibilities | Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- [6] Guide to Duty of Care: Examples & Impact [+Free Download]
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