The guidance suggests the following:
Visible Symptoms
If an employee displays any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, they should be sent home immediately and remain under quarantine until their symptoms have disappeared or the virus has run its course. It’s essential that they must be symptom-free and has been cleared by a doctor before returning to work.
Infection Prevention Coordinator
An infection prevention coordinator should be appointed to help guide the workplace through the pandemic. They will be in charge of tracking employees who have tested positive or been diagnosed with the virus. The coordinator will also be in charge of protocols and best practices in terms of keeping the workplace clean and sanitized.
Work with the Local Health Department
It’s essential that the local health department knows what is going on if an outbreak does occur. The local health department is in charge of reporting accurate diagnoses of the COVID-19 virus. The local health department can provide valuable resources that can be used to keep the workplace free of disease, establishing an environment that is clean but comfortable.
Follow OSHA Guidelines
OSHA guidelines are in place to help maintain a workplace that is safe and disease-free. Before a COVID-19 outbreak begins, OSHA’s guidelines should be implemented, and all employees should be encouraged to take the necessary precautions they need to remain healthy. Gloves and masks should be supplied as needed, and employees need to clean and sanitize their stations frequently.
Continue New Sanitizing and Disinfecting Practices
Work areas should be cleaned and sanitized multiple times a day. Once this routine is followed, it will become second nature and will be continued long after the pandemic has passed by. Employees should have the necessary cleaning supplies on hand so they can clean as often as they feel it is needed.
Allowing Employees to Return to Work
It is up to the discretion of the employers to allow an employee to return to work after they have been exposed to the coronavirus. They may opt for voluntary quarantine for 14 days or longer and the requirement that the employees are tested before they return to work. If they allow the employee to return to work, they can ask the employees to wear a mask and gloves when they are in close proximity to their other co-workers.
Following guidelines and responding with appropriate measures is the best way to be safe and disease-free during the pandemic. However, if an outbreak does occur, you can always get in touch with the attorneys at Gaylord & Nantais. They can answer all of your questions related to workplace issues and find out what you can do to protect yourself.
FAQs
- How Long Can You Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California? If you are a California State citizen and suffering from a work-related illness or have injured yourself at work, you are entitled to get workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits will help the victims cover their lost wages, medical expenses, and other financial implications. How long you are entitled to receive these benefits is determined by various factors that may differ depending upon the nature of the injury and the recovery time.
- Am I Eligible for California Workers’ Compensation Benefits? To be eligible for the compensation benefits, the first thing you need to do is report the accident immediately. Also, seek medical attention for your injuries, preferably from a physician in your employer’s network. Once both these things are taken care of, your employer will provide you with a form to fill out to claim compensation. Provided your claim does not get denied within 90 days of making, you can receive the compensation.
- What Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits? Some injuries that can qualify you for the compensation are repetitive motion injuries, slip and fall accidents, stress-related injuries, occupational illnesses, and hearing loss. However, keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list. Also, note that it should occur at the workplace for an injury to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
- How Long Do I Have to File for Workers’ Compensation in California? You have 30 days to report the injury or illness to your employer once the accident occurs. You also need to fill out the claim form within one year of the incident.
