An employer is a person or other legal entity that controls and directs the actions of another person, called a worker or employee under an express or implied contract of employment and pays (or is obligated to pay) him or her salary or wages in compensation. The employer has duties specified by the law which he must be cognizant of at all times as the breach of any of these duties may render the employer liable at law in the event of injury or loss to the employee and they include:
- The duty to provide work for his employee.
- The duty to provide a safe and healthy work environment. where it is not practicable to avoid the presence of hazards, providing adequate personal protective clothing and equipment without any cost to workers
- The duty to provide competent co-workers so as to prevent or reduce the possibility of injury as a result of a co worker’s incompetence.
- The duty to remunerate employees in accordance with the terms of the contract of employment if the employee arrives for work and can work..
- The duty to indemnify employees against liabilities and losses resulting from following his employer’s instructions.
- The duty to give employees reasonable opportunity to have their complaints resolved or mitigated.
- Where a report is received from an employee about hazards or any injury or harm to health, he must within reasonable time after receiving the reportinvestigate the matter and determine the action, if any, to be taken; and notify the employee about what was decided.
If you are an employer and you feel you need advice on your rights and obligations, please feel free to contact us by email or give us a call at +2348036258312 or +2348188474167.