COVID-19 Guidelines for Employers (03/13/20)

As an employer you surely have already began and will increasingly be subject to managing circumstances involving coronavirus (COVID-19 virus), including questions from your employees, regarding the COVID-19 virus in the immediate foreseeable future. Below are some initial guidelines for your consideration in determining the most appropriate course of action for your business to navigate through the current and future challenges you will be confronted with as an employer. We believe employers who are Prepared, Flexible and Compassionate will be able to best weather this unprecedented event.

The guidance information below has been summarized from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Establish a COVID-19 Response Plan:

• Identify possible work-related exposure and health risks to your employees including positions that require business travel and assess what appropriate actions can be taken minimize exposure risk. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
• Assess your work environment cleaning procedures and as necessary implement any appropriate adjustments to ensure all surfaces regularly accessed or touched are regularly cleaned and sanitized. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
• Explore what policies and practices that can be implemented proactively or modified as a response to minimize employee exposure, such as flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts) • Identify essential business functions, essential jobs or roles, and critical elements within your supply chains. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism or these supply chains are interrupted.
• Establish a process and method to communicate information to employees and business partners on your infectious disease outbreak response plans and latest COVID-19 information. (see the “Communications to Employee’s Regarding Sickness or Exposure to the Coronavirus” below)

Additional Employer Resources Regarding the Coronavirus

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

To discuss any existing policies or modifications you may be considering for addressing the impact the COVID-19 virus may already be having or will have on your organization and your employees, please reach out to Steve Marklay at (513) 578-6508.

Note: These COVID-19 Guidelines for Employers and the Communications to Employee’s Regarding Sickness or Exposure to the Coronavirus are intended as an employer refence guide only and not intended to serve as either legal or medical advice. Any legal questions should be directed to legal counsel and medical questions should be directed to an appropriate medical provider.