Are Human Resources Pitfalls Putting Your Business at Risk?
Here are some common HR issues that may be exposing your business to potential legal liability, penalties and fines:
- Failure to document all employees using U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form I-9. This form, properly completed by the employee and the employer is to be maintained on all employees and must be available for inspection by agents of the USCIC at all times. Failure to properly document employees using this form will subject the employer to fines of up to $1000 per employee.
- Failure to properly notify employees of their rights and obligations under COBRA. All employers who offer an employer sponsored health plan and have 20 or more employees are required by law to provide at least two separate notifications to their employees. These notices explain employee’s rights and employer obligations for continuation of coverage whenever a “qualifying event” occurs.
- Failure to have a complete set of the required labor law posters appropriate for your business. There are a number of required postings that agencies such as the Dept. of Labor, OSHA and your State require be posted in an area of your business where all employees and applicants can view them.
- Failure to maintain the OSHA 300 log of workplace injuries and illnesses. Most businesses with ten or more employees are required to maintain this form and post a summary report annually.
- Does your business use any type of materials that may be considered hazardous by OSHA? If so, you are required to develop a written program and train your employees on the Hazardous Materials Communications Program. OSHA may consider items such as floor cleaners and janitorial supplies as hazardous materials. Failure to have a written Hazard Communications Program is the number one OSHA cited violation in the United States.
These are just a few of the potential risks of not maintaining an up-to-date Human Resources Program. Joseph Spain, Human Resources Consulting is available to conduct a free no obligation assessment of your Human Resources program.
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