When you set out on your venture to start your new business, you have endless things to consider. From choosing a concept, a brand name, a brand aesthetic and a catalog of products to displaying these for sale in both brick and mortar stores and online. It’s easy to begin missing important things that you really should address. One of these is the legal implications of your responsibilities as a new business owner and as an employer. It’s important that you know what is expected of you and the potential consequences of neglecting these areas. Here are a few legal considerations to take into account when starting out with your new company.
Employee Contracts
When it comes to taking on staff to work for your company, you have two main options. The first is probably the easiest: take on self-employed staff. These individuals work on a more casual basis and take care of their own tax, meaning you have less responsibility for them. Some will work to a short-term contract, some will work on an ongoing contract and others will merely complete individual tasks and invoice you at the end. The second option is becoming an employer and taking on staff full and part time. This will give you a more solid staff base, especially if you work in a brick and mortar store. They will be working for you more frequently and you will have to meet their basic rights. This includes ensuring that they are in receipt of the minimum wage for their work. You should ideally pay a living wage, allowing them to live comfortably from the salary that you are providing them with. Their contract should also detail their working hours and permitted annual leave, alongside their job roles and expectations.
Health and Safety
You need to ensure that your employee’s workplace is safe and as hazard free as possible to prevent accidents and injuries. All employees should receive full health and safety training before being allowed to serve customers out on the shop floor or work back of the house in stockrooms or other areas. To better understand how you should be caring for your employees, communicate with a Salt Lake City injury attorney. They will be able to advise the areas in which you should prevent risk and injury to your staff.
Public Liabilities
Alongside yourself and your employees, you also have a responsibility to the public who will be entering your store and engaging with your company. You should ensure that all of your store’s spaces are safe to occupy. Remember that children will be visiting too! So avoid potential hazards for little ones. Scout your store from the floor up. Make sure that there aren’t any wires or carpets and rugs that people could trip on. Also ensure that there are no exposed wires and low ceilings or small steps are labeled with warnings. If there is a spill, it should be cleaned immediately and an appropriate sign should be left out in the spot where the floor is drying. Most of this is common sense, but ensure that your staff are aware of the necessary protocol and procedure.