(Checklist below)
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Corona Virus Information in the workplace. |
by Eugene Olivier - 20 April 2020
With a growing number of worldwide Corona Virus infections and deaths being reported, companies should focus first and foremost on employee Health and Safety. Many employers are uncertain of their legal obligations towards their employees during the Covid-19 pandemic and not updating company policies, procedures and contingency plans could potentially result in fines and other serious penalties as described in the OHS Act no 85 of 1993.
A recent article published by the Business Harvard Review emphasizes the importance of informing employees of the hazards associated with their workplace including updated and accurate relevant information on the current Corona Virus pandemic. This need can further be substantiated by the right to information included in Section 13 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act no 85 of 1993. It is often thought that there is enough information on the internet, magazines, and television to deem it unnecessary to further inform employees on current news trends. Contradictory to the latter surveys prove that it is untrue and that in reality many employees are uncertain and misinformed.
Employers are thus encouraged to make use of reliable sources of information such as: The World Health Organisation, The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and country specific Health guidance and News sources. Information should be summed up and communicated to employees as often as possible. This will not only save time, but it will also eliminate speculation and time wasted debating on what the facts are. Beware of news cycles. The media is often concerned with what is new rather than the bigger picture and often fail to distinguish between fact and speculation.
For legal and practical reasons, employers should ensure that they have given employees enough information and training to prevent the spread of infection, how to use PPE and the proper use of sanitizers and disinfectants. Employees should also inform their employers or managers if they have been exposed to the virus or perhaps show symptoms related to the virus. This will allow employers or management to swiftly deal with tracing those that might have come into contact with the infected employee and employ further strategic decision-making processes to eliminate additional spreading of the virus in the workplace.
Yes, these are scary, uncertain, difficult times and it is likely to become worse before it gets better, but you as an employer can make a difference. Inform your employees as often as possible and comfort them. Let the bad times bring out the best in your company, and in you.
Click here to view our COVID-19 Workplace Solutions Plan
With a growing number of worldwide Corona Virus infections and deaths being reported, companies should focus first and foremost on employee Health and Safety. Many employers are uncertain of their legal obligations towards their employees during the Covid-19 pandemic and not updating company policies, procedures and contingency plans could potentially result in fines and other serious penalties as described in the OHS Act no 85 of 1993.
A recent article published by the Business Harvard Review emphasizes the importance of informing employees of the hazards associated with their workplace including updated and accurate relevant information on the current Corona Virus pandemic. This need can further be substantiated by the right to information included in Section 13 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act no 85 of 1993. It is often thought that there is enough information on the internet, magazines, and television to deem it unnecessary to further inform employees on current news trends. Contradictory to the latter surveys prove that it is untrue and that in reality many employees are uncertain and misinformed.
Employers are thus encouraged to make use of reliable sources of information such as: The World Health Organisation, The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and country specific Health guidance and News sources. Information should be summed up and communicated to employees as often as possible. This will not only save time, but it will also eliminate speculation and time wasted debating on what the facts are. Beware of news cycles. The media is often concerned with what is new rather than the bigger picture and often fail to distinguish between fact and speculation.
For legal and practical reasons, employers should ensure that they have given employees enough information and training to prevent the spread of infection, how to use PPE and the proper use of sanitizers and disinfectants. Employees should also inform their employers or managers if they have been exposed to the virus or perhaps show symptoms related to the virus. This will allow employers or management to swiftly deal with tracing those that might have come into contact with the infected employee and employ further strategic decision-making processes to eliminate additional spreading of the virus in the workplace.
Yes, these are scary, uncertain, difficult times and it is likely to become worse before it gets better, but you as an employer can make a difference. Inform your employees as often as possible and comfort them. Let the bad times bring out the best in your company, and in you.
Click here to view our COVID-19 Workplace Solutions Plan
Checklist for employers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- A COVID19 Risk Assesment should be in place
- COVID19 Training must be done
- COVID Awareness signage must be on display
We can assist YOU! - Contact our Legal Compliance Team for assistance Eugene Olivier