The development of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game changer for thousands of companies and consumers in 2021. Improved sense of safety, reduced liability, and increased business are just a few examples of the impact the vaccine has had. With new updates about the virus and vaccine, many workers are wondering how their employers are going to continue to ensure their safety as various health-related announcements and mandates are rapidly evolving and expanding.
COVID-19 Safety Measures
Currently, in many states, employers require workers and customers to either be vaccinated or wear a mask. Other employers require both groups of individuals to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. This protocol has been put in place in effort to not only protect consumers but also employees. As of now, it is unclear how long this general practice will remain as President Biden recently released a statement that large companies will have to ensure all of their employees are vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. This is again another measure to ensure everything is being done to reduce the spread and protect the public and businesses.
Although there may not be one clear way to protect all employees from the threat of the virus, actions are being taken both by the government and individual employers to protect employees. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 spread, there have been some basic countermeasures to the virus that all companies should follow. It is important that you contact a workers’ compensation attorney if your workplace is not following these protocols and you contract COVID-19:
- Sanitary measures (wiping down surfaces, frequent sanitizing of common areas, available hand sanitizer, etc.)
- Social distancing whenever possible
- Stay at home mandate if showing any signs/symptoms of COVID-19
- Mask or vaccine requirement (especially if you work in a customer-facing role)
Protect Yourself
Deciding whether or not to go to work is not an option for most individuals, however, you should not feel as though your health and safety is threatened or neglected while you are at your workplace. There is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, however, it is evident there is progress being made. To protect yourself and those around you, it is important that you follow the guidelines at your workplace. If you feel as though the protocols put in place at your job do not adhere to healthcare standards, do not hesitate to contact OSHA and a workers’ compensation attorney right away. At Poirier Law Firm, your safety is our number one priority and if your workplace has put your health at risk, we will fight for your rights.
Source: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2021/09/13/631302.htm