Employee lawsuits have increased by 400% over the last 20 years; the average claim takes 10 months to resolve with an average of $160,000 in defense settlement costs, before legal fees. Small companies are not immune, and most business owners aren’t even aware that they’ve broken the law—until fines and penalties are assessed.
More than 50% of all employment cases attach retaliation to the original discrimination or harassment charge. Retaliation costs include lost pay and benefits, pain and suffering, punitive damages, and the employee’s legal fees, as well as your own.
Are your I-9’s and W-4’s compliant and are you using e-verify? Do you know what information is not permitted in employee files? HRCoastal can audit your files, putting documentation in the proper places to protect you in a government review.
Avoid the fear, uncertainty, and doubt of possible fines and litigation by bringing your business into compliance.
In addition, laws and regulations are constantly changing. HRCoastal keeps an eye on the amendments to federal and state laws regularly so that you don’t have to worry. We also watch circuit court cases and alert you to changes in the interpretation of the law.
Do you have a written policy prohibiting all types of harassment? To protect your company, you not only need a policy prohibiting harassment, but also a written reporting process so that employees know how to report harassing behavior.
Employers also have a legal responsibility to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), including storing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and posting safety data
Basic workplace safety considerations such as emergency action plans, exit routes, and documentation are all part of the safety plan. Providing training on the safe use of equipment and vehicles, handling of materials, and everyday safety can actually save you money on your Workers Compensation Insurance. Find out how by contacting HRCoastal.
All it takes for a government audit is a complaint from one disgruntled employee to start the audit ball rolling. It’s important to have the right answers to safety questions if a government auditor comes knocking on your door.
With 25 years of Human Resources experience, Jennifer Minks can navigate your company’s legal requirements and assist with recruitment, onboarding, training, handbooks, employee issues, and strategy related to HR in your business.
Jennifer has minimized risk and provided strategic guidance in healthcare, professional services, and small business industries throughout her career. She is instrumental in partnering with organizations to meet successful business outcomes and avoid costly litigation through HR expertise.
Earning her MBA with a concentration in Human Resources, Jennifer is also a member of the Lowcountry Human Resources Association (LCHRA), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and serves as a Board of Advisor for Ashland University’s Women in Leadership program. She holds a Senior Human Resources Professional certification (SPHR).
