What does an employer do when an employee refuses to work?
There are various legal issues that need to be considered: American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA): an employer should understand if the employee has a disability under ADA and if an [...]
Can an employer require a doctor’s note?
Yes, but keep in mind the CDC is advising employers not to require doctor’s notes or proof that someone has tested positive for the virus at this time. The thought is to not overwhelm the health [...]
Can an employer ask about symptoms and how much information can I request of the employee?
Yes, but only around Covid-19 symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath). Due to the sensitivity of this information, confidentiality is imperative.
Can employer require an employee stay home and quarantine for 14 days?
Yes, authorities have concluded that employees who have symptoms of COVID-19 should leave the workplace. You should consider the CDC guidelines. These guidelines will give employers guidance and [...]
An employee of ours has tested positive for COVID-19. What should we do?
You should send home all employees who worked closely with that employee for a 14-day period of time to ensure the infection does not spread. Ask them to identify all individuals who worked [...]
What if I’m a contractor who has employees who must work in close proximity with one another, such as in a manhole or trench?
There will be situations where the six–foot minimum distance is not feasible. The best action in this situation is for employees to be using N-95 respirators, gloves, etc. However, given [...]
What about OSHA and general contractor responsibility on multi-employer jobsites?
If you’re a general contractor, OSHA could not cite you for a general duty clause violation related to COVID-19 on your worksite due to other employers’ employees.
If someone is positive with COVID-19, do I have to record in on my OSHA log?
Most likely, no. As an employer, you should determine whether there was any exposure that occurred in the work environment that caused or contributed to the test positive. As a practical matter, [...]
What should be done regarding the cleaning of jobsites?
OSHA has said that outside of healthcare facilities, there is no need to clean “contaminated” work environments unless there are bodily fluids present. However, with COVID-19, you will want to [...]
Would I have to shut down a worksite if an employee with the virus was on the jobsite?
At this point OSHA has not indicated that it is necessary to do so, however that could change.
