As a Texas employer during the COVID-19 pandemic, you have certain legal obligations to ensure the safety of your employees in the workplace.
Firstly, you must comply with any federal, state and local health and safety regulations and guidelines, including those issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Secondly, you must implement and enforce policies and procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, such as requiring employees and visitors to wear face masks, and implementing social distancing measures.
Thirdly, you must provide appropriate training and education to your employees on COVID-19 prevention and response.
Finally, you must provide a safe and healthy working environment, which includes providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face masks, and hand sanitizer to employees.
If you fail to comply with these legal obligations, you may face civil and criminal penalties, in addition to potential lawsuits by affected employees. Therefore, it is important to take all necessary steps to ensure worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, please note that there may be limitations or exceptions to these general obligations, depending on the specific circumstances and industry of your business. For example, certain essential businesses, such as healthcare facilities or grocery stores, may face different or additional obligations due to their higher risk of exposure to COVID-19.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding your legal obligations as a Texas employer concerning worker safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, I strongly recommend that you consult with a licensed attorney who is well-versed in employment and health and safety laws in the relevant jurisdiction.
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