What will return to work look like? This is a question being grappled with at all levels and its timing weighs heavily on us all as we attempt to balance safety and economics. No matter the timing, one thing is certain, returning to work will be a gradual process and will vary by many factors including location, sector, business type and/or size and health status of employees. It will require continued social distancing, use of PPE and other safety measures.While we do not know when return to work will happen, we know we must begin planning for it now. There will be new policies and processes, requirements and restrictions of which we have not had before.
As the State of Ohio rolls out their plan, all employers need to consider how to best decrease the spread of COVID-19 and lower the impact in the workplace. The Fostoria Area Safety Council in partnership with the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce and Fostoria Economic Development Corporation have created a Return to Work: A Path Forward Toolkit. This toolkit will focus on three areas based upon the Center for Disease Control guidance for employers. This guide also includes guidance recently issued by OSHA and takes into consideration information from the Ohio Department of Health as well as resources on the CARES Act in regard to emergency sick leave and FMLA.
We have embedded external links for additional information and resources throughout the document and other useful links to full text of the guidance issued by both the CDC, OSHA and the Ohio Department of Health and other helpful resources. In addition, is the Smart Start Playbook developed by Magna and shared with us via RGP/Jobs Ohio. The Magna Smart Start Playbook is a great comprehensive example of policy, communication, leadership and resources and may be used as a template for your own business.