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                   

• ll employees, customers, and vendors must be six feet apart both inside and outside workplaces

• If there is no framework for this, new protocols must be established for employees to practice adequate social distancing

• Signage for safe social distancing should be mandatory and appropriate PPE equipment must be provided

Hygiene Protocols                   

• Hand washing capabilities must exist throughout the workplace

• Frequent hand washing should be mandated with adequate supplies available

• High touch areas, such as workstations, counters, equipment, screens, doorknobs,

  restrooms, and kitchen appliances should be regularly sanitized throughout work site

Staffing and Operations          

• Provide employees with the training they will need to incorporate social distancing norms and heightened hygiene protocols

• Employees MUST monitor themselves for COVID-19-like symptoms and must NOT report to work should they exhibit any associated symptoms

• 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         

• Business-specific cleaning protocols must be maintained, including keen attention to high-touch surfaces and the regular disinfection and sanitizing of these areas

• 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:

• Be vigilant and transparent in monitoring their own health and watching for any symptoms

• Stay Home, do NOT report to work if any such symptoms manifest

• 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