How Employment Law Safeguards You from Workplace Issues

Employment law ensures workers carry out their duties in a safe environment. It provides them with basic rights.

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Having a job is more than having a paycheck every two weeks or at the end of the month. Work also provides you with various opportunities to grow as a person and as a professional. 

As you learn the ropes, you please your boss with your consistent performance. You may even learn a new skill or two as you gradually ease into your day job. You become familiar with everyone’s names and eventually find yourself enjoying their company during breaks or hours after work. As time goes on, you may even find yourself excited to work on a Monday.

If you find yourself nodding from the descriptions mentioned, then you are one lucky employee. You’ve found your dream job and probably have no intentions of going anywhere but up your company’s ladder. 

You can thank your human resources (HR) for a job well done and for everyone’s efforts in making your company a great place to work with. But there’s more to that. In truth, employment law makes all of these possible. 

Employment Law

Employment law is a special subset that governs employee and employer relationships. It expects employers to provide workers with a conducive work environment. It holds employers accountable for the safety and well-being of their workers. In turn, workers are expected to meet their company and industry standards. 

In case there is a disconnect between these expectations, the company can attempt to resolve it on its own. If not, you may need an employment lawyer to fight for your rights.

How Employment Law Protects Workers 

Employment law is the reason behind your awesome company culture. As a special subset, it lays down guidelines for employers on how they should treat their personnel. 

Employment law also ensures employee protection from workplace issues in several ways. 

1. Guarantees Compensation for Employee Infractions 

Once the concerned office receives your complaint or your lawyer takes on your case, you can expect your case will be properly dealt with. They will not only investigate the said violations but they will also determine if you can recover damages. 

For example, you suffered a work-related accident and your company refuses to reimburse your medical expenses. Furthermore, injury work lawyers can file a claim on your behalf and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

2. Adequate Workplace Rights

Rights are a salient feature of employment law. They ensure protection for workers no matter where, when, and how they work. These rights are uniform across industries and some may even have additional guidelines imposed by the state or country.

Some of these basic workplace rights include:

• The right to a safe work environment by minimizing risks for accidents or injuries. Employment law covers the use of safety equipment and training, along with ensuring safe work areas. 
• The right not to be discriminated against due to age, gender, nationality, religion, pregnancy, or disability. This is commonly applied to recruitment, promotions, and benefits.
• The right to take time off of work when ill. Employees need time to rest and recuperate. They can file a sick leave or leave of absence due to disability. 
• The right to take a leave to care for a spouse and newborn, a sick family member, or even for the loss of an immediate family member. 
• The right to earn minimum wage and receive overtime pay for additional hours rendered. They should receive fair pay and be able to discuss wage disputes with the management. 
• The right to work without any form of bullying or harassment. They are entitled to positive work environments that foster inclusion and respect. 
• The right to receive common law notice for termination. Employees should receive a notification when their services are no longer needed.

Employment law ensures that workers are protected from all forms of negative workplace conditions. If ever these rights are not honored in the workplace, employment law also has additional mechanisms to ensure employer accountability.

3. Available Recourse in the Event of Violations 

If any of the workplace rights are violated, employment law compels companies to follow a grievance process to resolve them. You can send a complaint in writing or meet with your boss to discuss the situation. They will then initiate an investigation and issue sanctions to erring employees. 

Complaints can also compel the company to modify its policies to minimize incidents in the future and ensure adherence to employment guidelines. This can take the form of refresher training or additional measures to uphold worker rights.

4. Legal Intervention to Resolve Workplace Issues 

Workplace issues such as harassment or wage disputes can be easily resolved with effective resolution in place. 

However, there are instances when legal intervention is required. If your company does not act on your complaint, your boss becomes hostile when receiving your complaint, or when your work environment makes it impossible for you to carry out your duties, then it’s time to let employment lawyers handle the situation. 

They can assist you in filing your complaint to the appropriate government agency. In addition, injury work lawyers can also represent you in settlement proceedings and assert your claim for damages. 

Employee’s Side of the Law

In sum, employment law ensures workers carry out their duties in a safe environment. It provides them with basic rights. In the event of infractions, employment law provides adequate measures within the company or through legal channels. Employment lawyers can best help employees with workplace issues as they serve to advocate for their rights and privileges.