Employee Safety Measures
For all businesses, the safety of employees is essential. Implementing policies and protocols to ensure employee safety is just as vital as implementing new guidelines for employee-customer interaction. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has announced Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that also include sector-specific checklists.**
Social Distancing 
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All employees, customers, and vendors must be six feet apart both inside and outside workplaces
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If there is no framework for this, new protocols must be established for employees to practice adequate social distancing
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Signage for safe social distancing should be mandatory and appropriate PPE equipment must be provided
Hygiene Protocols 
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Hand washing and sanitizing capabilities must exist throughout the workplace
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Frequent hand washing should be mandated with adequate supplies available
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High-touch areas, such as workstations, counters, equipment, screens, doorknobs,
restrooms, and kitchen appliances should be regularly sanitized throughout work site
Staffing and Operations 
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Provide employees with the training they will need to incorporate social distancing norms and heightened hygiene protocols, as well as masks to be utilized when social distancing is not possible
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Employees MUST monitor themselves for COVID-19-like symptoms and must NOT report to work should they exhibit any associated symptoms
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Employers MUST establish a plan for employees who get sick from COVID-19, which will require an updated sick leave policy and a comprehensive return-to-work plan
Cleaning and Disinfecting 
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Business-specific cleaning protocols must be maintained, including keen attention to high-touch surfaces and the regular disinfection and sanitizing of these areas
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When an active employee is diagnosed with COVID-19, cleaning and disinfecting must be performed
Businesses should promote health screening measures for employees and establish a set of procedures aligned with CDC guidance should an employee or customer test positive for COVID-19.
Businesses should require ALL staff to do the following:
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Be vigilant and transparent in monitoring their own health and watching for any symptoms
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Stay Home, do NOT report to work if any such symptoms manifest
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Prepare to self-isolate if COVID-19 symptoms appear for up to 2 weeks while awaiting
test results, or in the event of a positive diagnosis
**The Employee Safety Measures section reflects recommendations put forth in the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts.