Employers’ liability is a legal concept that holds employers responsible for the health and safety of their employees while they are at work. This liability arises from the legal duty of care that an employer owes to their employees. The can either be common law or statutory duty of care.
Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. This includes providing training, equipment, and safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. Employers must also comply with health and safety regulations and laws.
If an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work, the employer may be liable for any damages suffered by the employee. This includes compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other losses resulting from the injury or illness.
Employers’ liability can arise in many different situations, such as accidents at construction sites, exposure to hazardous chemicals like asbestos, or repetitive strain injuries from performing the same task repeatedly. Employers must take steps to identify and minimize any risks in the workplace to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
Employers can protect themselves from liability by implementing safety policies and procedures, health, and safety regulations, providing training to employees, and ensuring that equipment and machinery are properly maintained. Employers can also purchase an insurance policy to cover any claims that may arise from workplace accidents or injuries.