Protect your business property from slip and falls

As a property owner or landlord, you want to maintain a safe home or business for family, friends, employees and tenants. To reduce the potential for slip and fall accidents, you might want to consider the following safety tips:

General safety tips to prevent slips, trips and falls

• Maintain adequate lighting around your business, in parking areas, on sidewalks and in stairways to make areas safer for customers. Commercial LED lights are typically recommended for businesses in order to provide additional security benefits.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts don't drain water onto walkways or into parking areas. Water and puddles can easily lead to slips and can become icy if the temperature drops below freezing.
• Quickly clean up any spills around your business. Conduct detailed inspections of the business work area on a regular basis. This includes the interior and exterior to quickly identify potential hazards. Post warning signs to alert employees, customers and guests about the hazard, while repairs or clean-up efforts are made.
• Repair or replace torn carpets, rugs, loose or missing floor tiles or any other flooring materials.
• Have a removal plan for snow and ice on sidewalks, stairs, parking areas and around dumpsters.
• Always repair potholes or uneven surfaces in driveways and parking lots.

Safety tips for stairways, steps and ramps

• Install handrails on stairways and ramps in accordance with local building codes.
• Ensure handrails are stable and securely fastened.
• Consider using nonslip surfaces, such as carpet, on stairs.

Walkways and lawn areas

• Repair uneven surfaces, large cracks or bumps in the sidewalk.
• Remove obstructions from walkways, such as ladders and other maintenance equipment.
• If there is a lawn sprinkler system, turn it off and drain the system when the temperature nears freezing. If you don't, the pipes can freeze, create leaks and icy patches.

Other important safety tips

• Make sure to have a manager on duty whenever possible.
• Post emergency phone numbers.
• Keep emergency kits handy and stocked .
• Investigate and keep a record of incidents, including who was involved, dates and circumstances. Management should review all incident reports.
• Select adequate insurance coverage in the event an accident occurs.
• Provide slip-and-fall safety training to your employees.
• Have an accident prevention plan in place.

What to do if a customer is injured

• First of all, if the customer's injury warrants it, seek medical attention for the person. Allow medical and emergency personnel to take care of the injured person.
• Gather important information, like name and contact phone number of the person that suffered the fall. Also, collect other details like the time and place of the incident. If possible, take pictures of the exact location where it happened.
• If you and/or the person who suffered the accident determine a claim is needed, promptly contact your insurance company. Follow their process to document the claim accurately, in a timely manner.

Talk with a State Farm^® agent today to learn more loss control tips for your business and Small Business Insurance.

How to hire employees for small business

Hiring employees for your small business can be a big milestone for its growth and success. However, navigating the hiring process can be complex, with various legal, administrative and strategic considerations to keep in mind. From understanding the differences between employees and independent contractors to complying with labor laws and deciding on employee benefits, there are crucial steps to take before you begin hiring. In this article, we will explore these considerations and provide guidance on how to hire employees effectively for your small business.

Considerations for hiring employees

There are many things to think about when hiring an employee. These tips can help you navigate the process smoothly and help fulfill compliance with legal and administrative requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Before hiring employees, obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This unique identifier is used for tax purposes. It’s necessary for reporting employment taxes, filing tax returns, opening business bank accounts and conducting other financial transactions. To obtain an EIN, you can apply online through the IRS website or submit Form SS-4 via mail or fax. The process is relatively straightforward and requires basic information about your business, such as its legal structure, the reason for applying and the responsible party's details. Once approved, you will receive your EIN. Keep it handy for all tax-related matters.
2. Familiarize yourself with tax forms: When hiring employees for your small business, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various tax forms that pertain to payroll administration. One imperative form is the Form W-4, which employees use to indicate their withholding allowances for federal income tax. Take time to understand how to accurately calculate and withhold the appropriate amount of taxes from each employee's paycheck. Additionally, you may need to file Form 941 on a quarterly basis to report employment taxes, including federal income tax withholding, Social Security tax and Medicare tax. Understanding these tax forms can help secure compliance with tax regulations and help you accurately manage payroll for your employees.
3. Payroll administration: This involves managing the financial aspects of employee compensation, including wages, taxes and benefits. It’s crucial to accurately calculate and withhold payroll taxes, such as federal and state income taxes, Social Security and Medicare taxes. Payroll administration also includes tasks like issuing paychecks or direct deposits, keeping track of hours worked, managing employee benefits and maintaining accurate records. Proper payroll administration allows your employees to be paid accurately and on time while complying with tax regulations and labor laws. Consider utilizing payroll software or outsourcing payroll services to streamline the process and reduce the risk of errors or non-compliance. By effectively managing payroll administration, you can have structured financial operations and help maintain positive relationships with your employees.

Differences between employee and independent contractor

There is a difference between an employee and an independent contractor. Employees are individuals who work under your direct supervision, and you have the authority to dictate their work hours, tasks and methods. As an employer, you are responsible for withholding and remitting taxes on their behalf, providing benefits and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

On the other hand, independent contractors are self-employed individuals who work on a project or contract basis and generally have more autonomy in how they perform their work. They are responsible for their own taxes, benefits and compliance with applicable laws. It’s important to correctly classify workers to avoid misclassification issues, as misclassifying employees as independent contractors can lead to legal and financial consequences; if you are unsure, seek legal advice.

Learn about labor laws

Before hiring employees, familiarize yourself with labor laws that apply to your business. These laws can encompass various aspects, including minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, working hours and employee rights. Understanding the legal requirements can help you create fair employment practices, maintain a safe working environment and prevent potential legal issues.

Stay informed of any changes or updates to labor laws and consider seeking legal guidance to help your business operate in accordance with the law. By adhering to labor laws, you can foster a positive work environment, build trust with your employees and mitigate the risk of legal disputes.

Decide on employee benefits

Decide what small business benefits package is right for you and your employees. Consider the mandatory and optional benefits you will offer your employees. Workers' compensation insurance, which provides coverage for employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses, is required by some states. Additionally, contributions to Social Security and Medicare are required by law.

Optional benefits are offered at the discretion of the employer and can vary widely. They may include life insurance, health insurance, retirement plans, 401k, paid time off, flexible work arrangements and other perks such as employee discounts or wellness programs. Offering a competitive package of employee benefits not only helps demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of your workforce but could help foster loyalty and job satisfaction.

Consider the needs and preferences of your employees when designing a benefits package and follow any legal requirements related to offering specific benefits.

Get ready to begin hiring

Once you have considered the above factors, you can start the hiring process. Here are some key steps to take into consideration:

• Craft a comprehensive job posting: Clearly outline the job responsibilities, qualifications and any specific requirements in your job posting. Tell them the perks of the job e.g. flexibility, parking, profit sharing. This can help attract potential candidates who are the right fit for your business.
• Advertise the posting: Utilize various channels to advertise your job posting, such as online job boards, social media platforms and industry-specific networks. Consider reaching out to local colleges, professional organizations and networking events as well.
• Prepare for interviews: Review resumes and shortlist candidates for interviews. Prepare a list of questions that will help you assess their skills, experience and fit for your business. And be prepared to answer questions your candidates may have. Consider conducting multiple rounds of interviews to make a well-informed decision.
• Confirm work status: Before making a final hiring decision, verify that candidates have the legal right to work. This may involve verifying their immigration status or requesting appropriate work permits or visas.

By taking these factors into account and following the necessary steps, you can successfully hire employees for your small business. Remember to stay informed about legal requirements and provide a positive and supportive work environment for your employees.

As you discover how to hire employees for your small business, remember that thorough preparation and adherence to legal and administrative requirements are key. Find a State Farm® agent who can help support you and your business.

After reading this article and learning about small business responsibilities, such as obtaining an EIN, understanding the distinctions between employees and contractors, familiarizing yourself with labor laws and deciding on employee benefits, you can set yourself up for successful hiring. Remember to approach the process with care, ensuring a positive and supportive work environment for your new hires. With the right approach, you can help build a strong team that contributes to the growth and prosperity of your small business.