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How Premier Group International Can Help Your Business Mitigate Potential Workplace Investigations Stemming from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Threat

“Three squares? You can’t spare three squares?”

-Elaine Benes (Seinfeld)

All tongue-in-cheek references to the mad run on toilet paper buying aside, it’s time to address how the coronavirus will impact your businesses.

Though Your Workers Are Currently Healthy, Your Workplace Will Be Affected by Coronavirus

No matter the size of your employee group, whether your workers are union members or if your company consists of family members only, it’s time to consider the potential long-term effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

The governor’s office recently delivered an update on the stats for California, which was that 198 patients have been infected, and there have been four deaths. Governor Newsom requested that large, non-essential events be postponed or canceled.

Out of precaution, both Stagecoach and Coachella have been postponed, which directly impacts anybody who was scheduled to work those events, be they members of the bands, concession workers, or county and city workers. The impact from this outbreak has far-reaching implications. The MLB, NBA, MLS, and NCAA have followed suit in cancellations.

And just giving y’all a heads up, the ramifications will unfold for months to come.

Are You Asking What Investigation Has to Do With COVID-19?

During this critical period, important business decisions will have to be made. One of the services we offer is investigation into workers’ compensation claims.

Our advice to you is to consider the following to mitigate liability and exposure to claims:

  • Are you educating your workers and openly communicating?
  • Will you allow your employees to telecommute and teleconference?
  • Are you instructing sick employees to stay home?
  • Have you provided the latest updates from the most recent Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines?
  • Will you upgrade your sanitation procedures?

What Can You Do to Secure Your Workplace from the Threat of a Coronavirus Outbreak?

  • Use your safety meetings to review critical information.
  • Continue to circulate the most recent CDC updates.
  • Schedule time to train your managers and supervisors on how to handle employees’ concerns.
  • Educate your staff on preventative steps the company is taking to manage the potential spread of the virus.
  • Work with management and employees to accommodate telecommuting.

The authors of a recent article sum up the employers’ legal responsibilities titled, The Coronavirus: Best Practices to Mitigate Risks in the Workplace:

“Importantly, employers should keep in mind that the U.S. is early in the process of understanding and combating COVID-19. The situation is rapidly evolving, and employers will need to pay close attention to daily developments. When in doubt, reliance on the guidance provided by health experts, government agencies, and counsel will best insulate employers from exposure to liability for discrimination, privacy or other legal claims from employees.”

We urge you to follow these links to read what are best practices for employers and community members.

CDC Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

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

What Can Businesses and Communities Do to Help Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf

The Coronavirus: Best Practices to Mitigate Risks in the Workplace

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/coronavirus-best-practices-to-mitigate-risks-workplace

Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice and Premier Group International (PGI) is not a law firm. None of our staff are lawyers and they do not provide legal advice. Although PGI goes to great lengths to make sure the information is accurate and useful, PGI recommends you consult with legal counsel if you want legal advice. No attorney-client or confidential relationship exists or will be formed between you and PGI or any of our staff.

FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULT OR QUESTIONS, CONTACT AN EXPERT AT PREMIER GROUP INTERNATIONAL 866-986-2636

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