Coronavirus And The Workplace

Coronavirus And The Workplace

 March 12th, 2020

Dealing with Epidemics and Communicable or Infectious Diseases

As the number of reported cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rise, employers are increasingly confronted with the possibility of an outbreak in the workplace.

Employers are obligated to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees, but they are also subject to several legal requirements protecting workers. Compliance issues to consider include:

• The general duty to provide employees with safe workplace conditions imposed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act.
• Protection against disability discrimination (including disability-related inquiries and medical examinations) under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Requirements set by federal and state employee leave laws; and
• The compensation of individuals who miss work due to COVID-19.

Employers can utilize resources to become educated and to educate employees:

1. What is the Coronavirus?
2. How is the virus spread?
3. Disease Prevention in the Workplace