The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 is a serious and sometimes fatal virus that has drastically affected the way that many people live their lives – down to their places of employment. While some companies still have their employees working from home, others have brought their workforce back, of course, with precautions in place, ranging from enforcing the use of masks to sanitizing every surface thoroughly multiple times a day. But the question remains: what should you do if your employer refuses to follow those vital CDC and state guidelines? Do you have any recourse? Or are you stuck between a proverbial rock and a hard place? Let’s explore your options.
COVID-19 Guidelines
In order to ensure it’s safe to head back into the workplace, the CDC and other organizations have set up a number of guidelines that businesses must follow. High touch areas and surfaces, like door handles, bathroom counters, and light switches, must be sanitized regularly, using an approved cleaning method. Cubicles and shared office areas also need to be properly spaced, allowing for safe social distancing (with at least 6 feet between each). Additionally, workers should wear masks in order to prevent the spread of the virus, and those with a fever or other noted symptoms need to stay home to reduce the risk of infecting others. These guidelines, along with several other detailed sanitizing procedures, are designed to keep the workplace safe and healthy. However, should your employer choose to ignore these COVID-19 safety protocols, there are several courses of action you can take.
Band Together with Your Coworkers
There is always safety in numbers. If you’re concerned about your employer’s lack of care and diligence regarding the spread of COVID-19, then your coworkers may be as well. You more than likely aren’t alone in this. If enough of you get together and go to your boss about your concerns, they may change their minds and begin to follow the protocols to avoid issues. You can also put together a petition, just in case your coworkers don’t want to physically speak up. Anything that you can do to get their attention long enough to voice your concerns is a step in the right direction.
Request to Work from Home
People with serious concerns about COVID-19, especially those who are or who live with people who are immunocompromised, definitely need to act in this situation. An employer who refuses to follow the guidelines may allow some concerned employees to work from home, if possible. However, you must be prepared for them to insist that everyone continue to report into the office. Luckily, at this point, you do have some further recourse.
Reporting Systems
Every state has a reporting system in place for companies that violate the CDC’s guidelines regarding COVID-19. Lawmakers want to halt the spread of the virus just as much as everyone else, so they’ve put these specific sanitation and safety protocols in place. Contacting your state, county, or city department of health is the first step. Each has a reporting hotline where you can inform them of what’s going on with your employer. They’ll take the necessary steps from there, which may include everything from fines for noncompliance to a shutdown of the business, which will definitely force everyone into working from home where it’s safe.
Remember, you have an obligation to look out for your own personal safety and wellbeing, as well as the welfare of those around you. This is especially true if your employer seems to be nonchalantly ignoring all the serious safety precautions that are being recommended and even mandated by your city, state, or federal government. Hold strong to your safety convictions, as this virus seems to be sticking around for the long haul, and therefore, all employers must take it seriously.