Nov 2, 2020

Order mandates workplace COIVD-19 safety rules

Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order last week mandating employers adopt certain workplace safety rules designed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Under the executive order, which goes into effect Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020:

• All present at a workplace must maintain at least six feet of distance from one another to the maximum extent possible.
• All present at a workplace must wear a mask unless they are at the workstation and are more than six feet from other people or they are alone in a walled office.
• Employers are required to provide face masks to employees, free of charge.
• All workers, customers, and visitors must be provided with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, at the employer’s expense.
• Employers must ensure that employees routinely wash their hands and be provided with breaks to do so.
• Business must routinely clean and disinfect all high-touch areas.
• Employers must conduct daily health checks of employees prior to the start of an employee’s shift.
• Employees must be made aware if there is known exposure to coronavirus in the workplace.

The order also directs the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to establish an online complaint-intake form for workers. The Department of Labor also will assist employers with compliance, develop worksite notices, and create a training program.