There has been a lot of talk in the past week about reopening the economy. Last Thursday, President Trump provided state governors with guidelines on how to reopen their states. He outlined three phases to gradually ease their stay-at-home orders. Governors in at least three states – Oklahoma, Alaska and Georgia – announced they would begin lifting some of those restrictions as early as today. Governor Newsom stated that California is not there yet, adding the state will not consider a large-scale return of the workforce until far more people are being tested for the virus.

While California businesses may not return to “business as usual” next week, or perhaps even next month, NOW is the time to consider the myriad of issues you will face as you prepare to reopen your workplace.

Here are the top 5 things to consider as you prepare to reopen your business:

• Employees
o Will you rehire your former employees or recruit new ones?
o How will you handle employees who are uncomfortable returning to work?
o How will you handle employees who refuse to return to work?
o How will you handle “vulnerable individuals” or those that live with “vulnerable individuals” (as defined by federal guidelines)?

• Facility
o What steps will you take to regularly disinfect and sanitize your facility?
o Can you restrict use of shared items and spaces?
o Will you provide personal protection equipment?
o Will you install barriers that can be used to separate employee and customers?

• Operations
o How will you maintain social distancing?
 Bring employees back in phases?
 Space out seating?
 Stagger work schedules?
 Allow some workers to continue working from home?
o How will you monitor the health of your employees?
 Will you conduct routine health checks? Take temperatures?
o How will you handle required business travel?

• Policies
o Have you updated your policy manual outlining new paid sick leave policies, safety procedures and expectations?
o Have you updated your Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)?

• Training
o Will you provide employees with training on safety actions? Hygiene practices?
o Will you provide training on what to do if a coworker gets COVID-19?

Email [email protected] for assistance with preparing for reopening your business.