Why Your Risk Just Went Up
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) unveiled a new standard for determining which employees are considered employees and which are considered contractors. Over the past few months, most government regulators have been cracking down on businesses that misclassify employees as contractors. These rules may make more businesses responsible for labor law violations committed by contractors and staffing agencies in wage and hour benefits.
Previously, employers were responsible only if they had direct control over working conditions. This ruling will impact temporary staffing firms which currently employ over 3 million people. In some cases, these “contractors” may be deemed joint employees.
Most State governments are cracking down on businesses that try to skirt the employee/employer relationship by identifying certain individuals as contractors. Here is a good test:
The six factors, or questions, in the “economic realities” test include:
- Is the work an integral part of the employer’s business?
- Does the worker’s managerial skill affect the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss?
- How does the worker’s relative investment compare to the employer’s investment?
- Does the work performed require special skill and initiative?
- Is the relationship between the worker and the employer permanent or indefinite?
- What is the nature and degree of the employer’s control?
DCInsurers – Mountain specializes in Denver contractors Insurance and risk services. Insurance can play an important role in “on time and on budget” projects. If your Denver Contractors Insurance coverage is not written properly, your business may not survive financially.
