L&I Workplace Policies Every Employer Must Know

The labor & industrial laws try their best to protect the interest of workers in the workplace. Every employer and employee must know about all of their rights and policies. An organization or a company works best if it supports the interest of its employees. An employee should feel safe and happy in the working environment. At the same time, an employer must get the desired working results. 

The law advises hiring an experienced attorney if you feel your rights are at stake. You may contact a Seattle l&i lawyer in such cases. An advocate would handle all the official work and protect your rights at the workplace. 

Following are 5 L&I workplace policies you should know about:-

1. Termination Law

An employer cannot fire or retaliate against an employee aware of his rights in an at-will employment state. A business may fire an employee anytime, providing; it has not violated its rights. However, the employee may ask for a reason for his discharge through a written letter. 

An employer cannot terminate, suspend, demote, or deny the promotion.

Altering the employee’s work schedule, reducing his pay rate, and other similar actions are against the L&I policy.

2. Breaks And Work Schedule

The L&I laws are strict regarding an employee’s work schedule. There should be a fixed work time, and the employer can never exploit this schedule. The employee has the right to get paid rest breaks and meal periods. 

The law specifies a break of at least 10 minutes for every 4 hours of work. These rest breaks should come under the working hours and hence must have a salary. A proper meal break at every mealtime also comes under the law. Along with all this, the workplace cannot restrict using a bathroom or toilet during work. 

3. Accommodations For A Pregnant Employee

An employer must provide job-protected leave options for a pregnant employee. She must feel safe to take leave during pregnancy. At the same time, the employer must provide reasonable accommodations to the employee. The state laws specify that an employer cannot retaliate against a pregnant employee who asks for a change in the work environment or any other accommodation.

4. Sexual Harassment Policies

Sexual harassment at the workplace is a rising issue in society. Human Rights Commission develops the model sexual harassment policies. Every organization must follow best practices to protect acts related to the subject. State laws strictly adhere to these policies and check on their implementation.

5. Payroll Documentation

L&I laws require an employer to maintain an employee’s payroll records. The employee has the right to get access to these records anytime. The documentation must include important information like gross wage, working hours, worker’s qualification, training description, etc. 

Always be aware of your rights and state policies. You can immediately raise a voice against any violation. Hire a qualified attorney to make the process easy. Workplace-related claims go through an easy trial process in some states.