COVID-19 Planning for Employers

I Love it When a Plan Comes Together: COVID-19 Planning for Employers

Most episodes of the 1980s hit show, The A-Team, involved the team cobbling together some super-weapon from a collection of spare parts that they would use to defeat the bad guys. After securing their victory, team leader, Col. John “Hannibal” Smith, would often say, “I love it when a plan comes together . . .”

As employers have been cobbling together their defenses of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and face masks, they need to also work on crafting a plan. In fact, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s latest Executive Order says, “On or before May 11, 2020, all Hoosier employers shall develop a plan to implement measures and institute safeguards to ensure a safe environment for their employees, customers, clients, and members. The plan shall be provided to each employee or staff and posted publicly.” As you develop your company’s plan, here are some important considerations:

• It doesn’t have to be lengthy. Written workplace policies serve many goals, but the most important one here is communication. Use this plan to send clear messages; don’t bog down your workforce with too many details.
• It should be flexible. None of us have ever lived through a pandemic like this. Things have changed a lot in recent weeks and months and are likely to keep changing. Let your employees know that current workplace procedures are temporary and are likely to change.
• It must take safety seriously. Read the relevant CDC guidance; study other reputable local, regional, and national resources to determine concrete steps your company can take to do its part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Seek professional advice if you need it.
• It must respect other relevant employment laws. All the existing rules against discrimination, harassment, and retaliation—along with laws requiring reasonable accommodations for disabilities and religious beliefs—continue in force. Congress recently passed new laws providing paid sick leave and family leave to most workers, and various other state or federal employment laws could be implicated by your company’s COVID-19 response. Keep these considerations in mind.

Having a plan is required in Indiana, but it is a good practice in other states, too. Tuesley Hall Konopa attorneys are available to assist businesses and individuals in Indiana or Michigan with a variety of legal needs. Visit our website at thklaw.com for a comprehensive list of our legal services.

Disclaimer: The THK Legal Blog is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. In no case does the published material constitute an exhaustive legal study, and applicability to a particular situation depends upon an investigation of specific facts. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. All THK blogs are considered advertising material by the Indiana Bar Association.