Managers and executives represent the company and must know basic employment laws to navigate tricky situations. Managers aren’t expected to be employment law experts, but they need to avoid obvious mistakes. Unfamiliarity is NOT a defense when a mistake lands you in court.

Here is an easy guide to help you recognize when you need to call an experienced HR Consultant for help.

The Top 10 Times you need to contact your HR Consultant:

1. Before any employee termination or employee suspension, CALL CAPTAIN HR.

2. When an employee makes any statement considered inappropriate or when an employee asks a question about being harassed, CALL CAPTAIN HR.

3. When an employee is chronically late or is a ‘No-Call No-Show,’ CALL CAPTAIN HR.

4. When an employee asks (or seems to be asking) about ‘needing time off’ (a Leave of Absence), CALL CAPTAIN HR.

Note that the employee does not have to specifically ask for a ‘Leave of Absence’ or say they need time off under ‘Family Medical Leave.’

5. When a workplace injury or accident occurs, CALL CAPTAIN HR. Even a ‘minor’ incident must be reported.

6. When you have a question about an employee’s performance or a disciplinary issue, CALL CAPTAIN HR.

7. When an employee or applicant asks about an "accommodation" or mentions a serious health condition or impairment, CALL CAPTAIN HR.

8. When you get a subpoena, a lawyer's letter, contact from the government, law enforcement, or the media, CALL CAPTAIN HR.

9. When an employee claims they haven’t been paid for time worked or has improper deductions on their paycheck, CALL CAPTAIN HR.

10. When you see ‘Direct’ or ‘Indirect’ signs of union activities, CALL CAPTAIN HR.