The World Health Organization announced on March 11, 2020 that it deemed the outbreak of COVID-19 a “pandemic” as the number of cases of COVID-19 has soared around the world. COVID-19 California Employer Resources, available here, will provide guidance and practical tools to assist California employers meet its legal, moral and ethical obligations.
Most importantly, California employers are required by CAL-OSHA to maintain a safe and healthful workplace free from recognized hazards in the workplace that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees. COVID-19 is now a recognized hazard. Employers are advised to conduct a hazard assessment, and revise its Injury and Illness Prevention Plans to address this recognized hazard.
Additionally, employers are encouraged to recognize and anticipate the impact COVID-19 may have on its workforce and provide information to its employees re updated employer policies, available state and federal benefits and other measures that may be implemented to minimize this recognized COVID-19 hazard. COVID-19 California Employer Resources issues that employers may need to consider include:
- quarantined employees
- mandatory sick days
- limiting group meetings and travel
- managing fears
- sanitation protocols
- return-to-work, fitness for duty and reasonable accommodations; and
- protecting privacy rights of its employees.
“Information is power.
Disinformation is abuse of power.”
~ Newton Lee
Truthfully, our law firm is interested in providing reliable, scientific resources to assist employers and workers to reduce the risk of transmission, calm fears and provide a safe workplace. Join us in empowering yourself, your co-workers and your communities. We hope that you will find these COVID-19 California Employer Resources helpful. Simply click on the links below.
COVID-19 California Employer Resources
Cal/OSHA Interim Guidelines for General Industry on COVID-19
California Department of Public Health Updates and Facts
CA Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA):Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for Employers and Workers
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – FAQs on laws enforced by the California Labor Commissioner’s Office
COVID-19 General Employer Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
World Health Organization: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
Show Me the Science: How to Wash Your Hands
Need More Help?
Feel free to contact the authors if you have any further questions about preparing for COVID-19 in your workplace. We would be happy to discuss these COVID-19 California Employer Resources.
The Frog Knows, aka attorney Chuck Farrar, and Janice Knight, Senior HR Consultant
Contact Chuck or Janice with questions.
Feel free to call Chuck (530) 273-0800 or Janice (530) 273-0700 with questions about this blog or COVID-19 California Employer Resources or to schedule an appointment for assistance with compliance and prevention strategies.
