Human resource discussion question

As of March 2020, the COVID–19 Coronavirus pandemic was shutting down trade, transportation, and workplaces throughout the world. Named for the crown–like objects on its surfaces, COVID-19 coronavirus was like the viruses that years earlier had caused the SARS and MERS outbreaks. However, (at least as of March 2020) COVID-19 seemed to be significantly less deadly than either SARS or MERS, but possibly 10 times more deadly than the seasonal flu. With vaccines possibly not available until 2021, governments and employers around the globe were taking steps to contain COVID-19’s spread, and to reduce its threat to their citizens and to their workforces. Because touching infected surfaces and then self-infecting oneself by touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes seemed to be the disease’s main vector, by far the most important precaution is to wash one’s hands thoroughly, completely, and for at least 20 seconds. However, employers are also taking many other steps to keep workers healthy.

In March 2020, the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a comprehensive document called Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID–19. According to OSHA, steps employers can take to reduce workers’ risks of exposure to this virus begin with developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan (if the employer doesn’t already have one). This plan should first include an itemization of the sources of viral infection to which employees might be exposed, such as from the public, customers, and coworkers. Include people unique to your workplace, such as international travelers, or healthcare workers who may have had unprotected exposure.

The plan should then list the basic infection prevention measures the employer will implement to help protect its workers. Basic measures should include, for instance, frequent thorough handwashing, use of alcohol-based hand lotion where running water is unavailable, encouraging workers to stay home if they are sick, exploring and implementing as appropriate policies requiring all or most workers to work from home, discouraging workers from using each other’s phones and other devices, and maintaining good housekeeping practices including disinfecting surfaces. Other basic steps include having procedures for promptly identifying and isolating infectious employees and providing facemasks as appropriate.

As we explained in this chapter, protecting workers’ health and safety generally involves employing three types of workplace controls, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. OSHA says that with respect to COVID-19, engineering controls might include installing high efficiency air filtration systems and increasing job site airflow rates. Administrative controls would include requiring sick workers to stay home, reducing contact between employees and clients, and providing alcohol-based hand rubs. OSHA generally views engineering and administrative controls as the first and second lines of defense against health hazards such as COVID-19. However, personal protective equipment may be required as well. Examples would include face shields, facemasks, gloves, and respiratory protection. When it comes to what else employers can do to protect their companies from the coronavirus the law is not completely unambiguous, but in general canceling vacation time, requiring that the employees telecommute, and requiring someone to take a business trip are probably legal.

Discussion Question:

Answer the following question, first placing it and then the answer, in the form of an essay (minimum 100 words). Includes a title page (separate page), body with at least two (2) (3) updated academic font references (text or others) on a separate page, following APA 6th or 7th edition format. Answers will be evaluated according to a rubric. Submit the assignment in the appropriate forum this week.

Assume that you are the owner of a women’s dress shop in a mall in Florida, USA. Although you want to stay open, you also want to protect your employees from COVID-19. Based on what you read above, provide a one-page outline summarizing your plan to keep employees healthy. For this question, you could see the Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID–19 prepared by OSHA or any other related guidance prepared by Center of Diseases Control (CDC).