To some people, starting a business might sound like a simple enough idea. All you have to do is create a platform to sell the product or service you had in mind. However, when you take into account all the legal risks potentially awaiting around the corner, you’ll soon find those waters can get pretty murky. Knowing about the risks and dealing with them in advance are the best way to keep your business from getting bogged down by them. Here are some of the risks you should start considering now.
Health and safety
When it comes to legal trouble, most businesses experience it through their employees. In particular, the most common complaints are about health and safety. Make sure you’re living up to your responsibility. Set up a work environment that’s safe and conscientious. Perform regular risk assessments, assign someone the duty of safety officer and make sure you’re consulting employees regularly. Both about risks they’ve spotted and how you can all tackle them.
Employment law
Employees have a lot more rights than just a healthy and safe environment. Look out for discriminatory practices, whether it’s in the hiring or the firing of your business. Create a code of ethics for the business that everyone, particularly in management positions, has to read. You’re responsible for keeping the environment free of harassment, discrimination, and bullying, too. If you think you’re keeping the boat from rocking by turning a blind eye, you are legally responsible.
Taxes
Of course, there are a lot of legal guidelines on what your business is supposed to do with its money. In particular, regarding your taxes. It’s a good idea to get tax consultation if you’re not feeling entirely certain about doing your own. But that’s not always a certainty. Many business owners are suspected and charged with tax fraud incorrectly. In such a complicated field, it’s not difficult for mistakes to be made. It’s a good idea to have a contact who knows how to deal with tax fraud relief in those cases.
Insurance
Another way you are legally obliged to spend your money is on insurance. There’s no way around it. In particular, workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment insurance tax are required in most circumstances all states. In some states, disability insurance is added on top of that. It’s a good idea to visit the Workers’ Compensation Office in your area to find out exactly what you should have in place.
Advertising
We’ve left the consumer out of the discussion so far. Most businesses have some kind of regulation on the products they’re selling, which need to be looked up. For all industries, however, advertising can be a legal minefield. Plenty of companies like to exaggerate for effect when it comes to product advertisements, but it’s important to look up the guidelines on false advertising and make sure you’re crossing any lines.
Keep the waters clear by ensuring you’re engaging in ethical and lawful action in every step of the business. From your money to your marketing, there’s plenty of help to keep you on the straight and narrow.
