New measures have been put in place in Pennsylvania to protect key workers during the Coronavirus pandemic, it has been reported. Although it is thought that one in seven cases of the virus has been found in healthcare workers, all establishments that must stay open during this time are now required to follow a strict set of rules to protect workers and the public if applicable. Businesses are also expected to follow any specific rules set by local authorities in the state.
Workers Advised To Stay Home
The measures contain updates on the original April 15th worker business and safety order, but Governor Tom Wolf has now suggested that widely enforcing workplace restrictions may be difficult. Pennsylvania planned to open businesses in 24 counties on May 8th, following a color-coded plan to re-open establishments with in-person operations. However, Gov. Wolf stated that workers could simply refuse to go to work if they do not feel safe, which may force employers to act on workplace safety. A spokesperson Lyndsay Kensinger clarified that the Governor was not telling workers to quit their jobs.
Secretary Of Health Updates Order
Workers across Pennsylvania, particularly those working in the meatpacking industry or employed by warehouses, expressed concerns about their safety during the pandemic. This led to the worker business and safety order introduced in April 2020. These rules contained advice to check temperatures when a worker had already been exposed to COVID-19 but this has now changed, and all workers must be screened in all cases, even if no exposure has been found. Under the new standards, employers must also have a written COVID-19 Prevention Plan and show how they will respond to COVID outbreaks.
Rules And Regulations
As employers have a duty to protect workers under these regulations, any employers with failures that result in employee illness could be held liable. This is similar to personal injuries caused by recklessness or negligence, according to an experienced lawyer at The Harrison Law Group. All businesses which have in-person operations should now have social distance measures put in place, a plan to investigate and respond to cases of workplace COVID-19, and a plan for the provision of face coverings. Pay and benefits are also to be protected for those who are exposed, and criteria for return to work is to be set according to the updated rules.
Employers are also expected to adhere to local authority rules set to combat instances of COVID-19 in operational environments and public-facing businesses. The rules are to be temporary until further notice.