Returning to Work: What You Need to Do
Businesses are Starting to Open Back Up
How do you open up and keep employees and customers safe? What do you do if you suspect an employee has COVID-19? How do you maintain proper social distancing while at the office? What if an employee doesn't feel comfortable coming back to work? How do I make sure that our return is OSHA Compliant?
Considerations in Advance of Return to Work
  1. Prolong Remote Work - Consider augmenting existing remote work policies, or creating a new robust work policy that specifies which positions are permitted to telework on a more permanent basis, and the procedures for ensuring their continued success.
  2. Social Distancing in the Office - Everything from the number of individuals allowed in meeting rooms to general office layout may need to be altered.
  3. Screening Employee Temperatures - The U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission has provided guidance that allows employers to ask workers about potential COVID-19 symptoms and take their temperatures, so long as the practice is not discriminatory.
  4. Use of Face Masks - Organizations should consider what types of services they provide and check with local guidance.
  5. Leave Policies - Federal laws like the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act have drastically altered the leave landscape. Additionally, many state and local paid sick leave laws have also been modified.
Click on your Industry to Check
*Not listed? Check Osha.gov
In your Return to Work Action Plan, you outlined the implementation of personal protective equipment, sanitization, and other health safeguards. Purchase whatever equipment you have decided on, install them, try them out, and post signage to help employees remember the new procedures.

To learn more about face masks, click here
Employees
Share your plan with your employees. Decide if it is better to communicate with each employee one on one or virtually as a group. Make the plan file accessible to all. Demonstrate how to use equipment and walk them through the procedures. Listen to their concerns and find solutions that work for both the employee and your business - check to make sure that all practices are in compliance with OSHA, city and state laws, and your insurance company. Please call your ERM Insurance broker if you have any questions or need some guidance. (949) 222-0444
Customers & Clients
Send out an email to your customers and clients about your re-opening and/or transitions. Briefly highlight the parts of your plan that shows how you are protecting their health as well as your employees. Be readily available for their follow up emails or phone calls. Reaching out to communicate over the phone or virtually might be appropriate for some of your clients.
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