As businesses return to normal operations, they should consider various changes, including the implementation of policies to uphold physical distancing — such as limiting gatherings and visitors and scheduling meetings via phone or video. Where feasible, structural changes can include temporarily closing communal spaces, repositioning work stations and adding signage to encourage distancing.
Many businesses are making scheduling changes and staggering meal and break times, shifts, arrivals and departures, while others are adding screening procedures before employees begin work. Almost all workplaces are increasing cleaning frequency and providing hand sanitizer, soap and disinfecting wipes throughout the workplace.
If PPE is provided, instruction should be given on proper use, and consideration should be given to what action(s) to take against employees who refuse to use PPE (or cannot use because of medical or other considerations).
There are numerous other considerations for workplace reentry and every workplace is going to be different and pose unique issues or challenges. The goal for any employer, however, is to make the workplace as safe as possible and steps should be taken now in order to help achieve that goal.
Eric Johnson
Chair of Labor & Employment Practice Group (Phoenix office)
Quarles & Brady LLP
Read the other “As Business Changes, So Will Our Healthcare” perspectives.
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