In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, workers in Hollywood, Miami, and other parts of Southern Florida now face more hazards on the job. In addition to worrying about falls, strains, fractures, and other injuries, employees may now also be concerned about exposure to the new COVID-19 virus.
At Flaxman Law Group, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to keep our staff and our clients and community safe. We are also aware the situation can impact all workers’ safety, a subject we are passionate about. In light of the new situation, there are new considerations for your safety:
- Know your rights: Workers who are concerned their workplace puts them at risk may wonder what rights they have. In general, your employer may still ask you to come into work. If doors are being closed at your place of employment, you may qualify for unemployment insurance and other supports.
- Avoid coming into work when you are sick: This is important to keep others safe and to prevent spreading the virus. Even if your symptoms are mild, stay home if you are unwell.
- Pay extra attention to your physical state: The current pandemic can create stress, which in turn can lead to sleep disturbances and extreme fatigue. In addition, the symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever and a cough, can come on gradually. Stay alert for any symptoms or health issues which could impact your ability to do your job safety and seek medical help if there is an issue.
- Take care of your health: It has never been more important to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get adequate sleep. Keeping your body strong can help you lower your risk of unnecessary illnesses and can help you cope with stress more effectively. You will also want to keep strong social networks—through email and video conferencing or phone calls for now—to help you manage anxiety and worry.
- Clean surfaces often: In your workplace, use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol or simply soap and water to wash your hands frequently. In addition, wipe down phones, desk, computers, drawer pulls, doorknobs, and any other surfaces you use as part of your work. Keep wipes nearby to make frequent cleaning easy.
- Practice good hygiene: Cough and sneeze into tissues you then dispose of. Keep your work area clean and make sure you wash your hands before eating. Where possible, avoid touching your face.
- Take more precautions in interacting with others: Practice social distancing by staying at least 3-6 feet away from others. Avoid shaking hands in the workplace; instead, rely on waving or elbow bumps to reduce virus transmission.
- Stay alert for workplace injury: Even though there is a new situation we’re all concerned about, regular workplace injuries are still a concern. With the stress and changes occurring as a result of COVID-19, we need to be especially vigilant.
Have you been injured at work? Are you having trouble getting the fair workers’ compensation you believe you deserve? Contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free, no obligation consultation with a Hollywood workplace injury attorney. If you are self-isolating, our legal team can discuss your situation with you over the phone.