Construction Law
Understanding Retaliation Laws in Construction Part 4
In this four-part article, Clearwater contractor lawyers are discussing retaliation claims in construction. If an employee of your business makes a complaint about discrimination, including harassment, it’s critical that you take this report seriously. In the final part of this series, the Clearwater construction lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will discuss a few ways that employers can handle and hopefully reduce the likelihood of retaliation claims occurring at their workplace. To catch up on this series, please read parts one, two, and three.
Handling Reports of Discrimination
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to stopping retaliation from occurring in your workplace. As we have covered throughout this series, a retaliation claim can occur for a myriad of reasons. Employees are permitted to engage in any protected activities they choose, which leads to many pitfalls for employers potentially being accused of retaliation. With that being said, there are ways you can reduce the likelihood of retaliation occurring at your workplace, including:
Training Your Managers: It’s important that your workforce, especially management-level employees, understand that retaliation is an illegal act. If an employee issues a complaint to their supervisor, the supervisor needs to know what steps to take next. Furthermore, the supervisor also needs to understand that if they retaliate against the worker, this could result in their own termination. Any complaint made to a supervisor needs to be reported.
Developing a System: Whether you own a large construction firm with a Human Resources (HR) Department or you are managing all of the employee relations yourself, an open door policy is great to have in place as it encourages employees to voice their concerns. Employers should document any complaints and conduct an investigation when allegations are presented.
Consulting an Attorney: Employers need to be cautious of how they handle complaints. If an employee reports discrimination, the employer should consult an attorney. It’s critical that you evaluate the situation before you take action. Our team of Clearwater construction lawyers are experienced in employment law matters and can provide you with accurate legal advice to help you deal with these matters.
If you would like to speak with one of our Clearwater contractor lawyers, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.