Layoff Liability

If you own a landscaping company, simply finding new employees these days is likely to keep you awake at night. The job market is so tight right now that very often the vetting process becomes an afterthought to making sure you have enough folks on any given job. But this can create a temporary solution that leads to bigger problems down the road. When it comes to hiring, it’s important to understand the risks. One of the biggest issues affecting business owners across the board as we emerge from this pandemic is that the market is hardening. We are looking at higher premiums; more conservative underwriting; and fewer insurance companies willing to write certain lines of coverage. Ask yourself: What is the driving record of new hires? Will it affect your insurance rates? Do you have time for safety training? What if a new employee suffers an injury? Are they the type to sue? These are serious considerations, but by following a few tips, you can help decrease the risk associated with new employees. Hire Right. Conduct extensive background checks, including driving records (more on this below.) Also require a post-offer pre-employment physical conducted by a medical professional who knows what the potential employee’s job description will be. Conduct Safety Training. Once on board, make sure employees have the proper training, including hazard awareness. If your team doesn’t know specifically where danger lurks, you can bet they will stumble upon it. You must drive safety messages home constantly. From a ...