Sexual harassment is illegal, bad for your employees, and is also bad for business, so it makes sense to try to prevent it from happening in the first place. Make sure you develop a written policy concerning sexual harassment, which clearly states that it is not only against the law, but also against company policy, and will not be tolerated. Note that in California, employers with 50 or more emploees are legally required to provide training on sexual harassment to their supervisory employees.

Because even unfounded sexual harassment claims are costly, and sexual harassment claims — fueled by charges made against such notables as Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and President Clinton — are among the most publicized torts in recent years, you may consider purchasing Commercial Lines Insurance that could cover sexual harassment claims among your firm’s other employment practices.

(Reviewed 9-08)