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Damage to company equipment

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 10/26/2011 - 22:03
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If an employee accidentally damages tools or equipment belonging to the company during the course of work, can his employer request that he replace the damaged items? In this case it's a matter of a couple hundred dollars.

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Employee damages employer's property or equipment

Submitted by The Editor on Thu, 10/27/2011 - 08:35.

If you damaged the property or equipment of your employer because of some fault on your part, then, eventually, the employer will be able to collect the cost of that damage from you.  For example, the employer could sue you in small claims court.  So, yes, it is reasonable for the employer to ask you to pay for the damage.  On the other hand, if, for example, you were using a shovel the way it is intended to be used, and the handle broke without any fault or negligence on your part, then no.

Keep in mind, though, that an employer cannot make deductions from an employee's paycheck unless that deduction is authorized by the employee or permitted by law.  Accordingly, unless you give written permission, or the employer obtains a judgment against you for the damage, no deduction from you paycheck is permitted.  Of course, if you want to remain on good terms with your employer, and you know it was your fault that the equipment was damaged, you should just pay.  Good luck.

 

 

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