Workplace Negligence: Are You Protected?
It seems we read or hear about workplace negligence lawsuits almost daily in the evening news, on the radio, or in news articles. In today’s world, there seems to be a vast supply of risks and lawsuits coming from nearly every direction looking to hold companies accountable for some level of negligence.
Negligence is considered to be the lack of reasonable care that is required to protect others from the unreasonable chance of harm.
Companies may contend with workplace negligence issues as an employer or as a provider of goods or services. A company can be found liable for the actions or inactions of their employees that cause injury to others. Negligence may include improper maintenance of their facilities or process equipment, a lack of procedures, or failing to follow procedures and when injury occurs to employees, contractors, or visitors on the site.
Manufacturers, consultants, and professionals also face potential negligence concerns should a product or service fail or cause injury to others.
Another source of workplace negligence common to many companies may come from motor vehicle accidents. This risk grows as we increase our reliance on employees to drive while conducting company business.
Although the threshold of “reasonable care” seems to increase over time, the foundational methods of controlling negligence remain constant. Employers rely on developing, implementing, and training on company procedures to define how their employees will perform tasks, authorize employees to operate vehicles or equipment, or otherwise conduct the business of the company.
Key to success in minimizing risk of negligence is the continuous monitoring of internal programs in terms of content and implementation. Companies must have strong written programs that remain current over time. To support their programs, companies must utilize satisfactory training and management of their employees to adhere to their programs. Additionally, companies must adequately enforce their programs.
Curious how cases are being decided? See the top 100 verdicts of 2019.
Beyond the items described above, Innovise can help you obtain the appropriate liability coverages and help you develop procedures for your business. Contact us today.
