California Releases ‘Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening’

Aug 3

On July 24, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new resource, called the COVID-19 Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening. Its purpose is to help employers "plan and prepare for reopening their business[es] and to support a safe, clean environment for workers and customers."

“We want to continue to work in the spirit of collaboration and partnership with our employer community to educate,” Newsom said during the press conference, “not only employers large and small, but to help them educate employees as well.”

The 32-page Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening includes a compilation of industry-specific guidance, checklists and tools to help employers open safely and mitigate risks associated with COVID-19.

The table of contents lists four major areas that the playbook addresses:

Steps employers can take to open safely
What to do if a COVID-19 case occurs in the workplace
Enforcement and compliance
Worker education

The Playbook contains many links to various employer and worker resources, as well as case studies to help illustrate the importance of implementing proper social distancing and safety measures.

“Stopping the spread of COVID-19 depends on keeping our workers safe,” Newsom said in a press release. “The vital work they do every day puts them and their families at higher risk for exposure and infection. Taking action to protect them will help protect all Californians.”

We encourage employers to review this resource and make themselves aware of the responsibilities they have to their employees as they return to the workplace.

“We hope that employers take this guidance to heart and do what is necessary to protect their employees, so that they can continue to work during this difficult time knowing that their health and safety is being taken seriously,” says Attorney Rachel Mahoney.

Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.