Safely Bringing Our Economy Back
As Pennsylvania businesses have gradually re-opened in the COVID-19 pandemic era, the PA Chamber continues our work to ensure that employers have access to the most up-to-date regulatory information, useful resources and best practices to maintain a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and customers. The information below will help business leaders continue their operations with confidence.
Ensuring a Safe & Healthy Workplace
Maintaining a safe, clean environment for your employees and customers is the best way to ensure your doors can stay open. Below are guidelines from trusted resources so you can be certain you’re doing all you can to combat the spread of COVID-19:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Wolf Administration Guidance for Businesses Permitted to Operate During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency to Ensure the Safety and Health of Employees and the Public; along with FAQs for Businesses Operating During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency.
- Cleaning and disinfection guidelines from the EPA and CDC.
To help employees and customers feel safe, heed these tried and true best practices:
- Regularly communicate the steps your business is taking to keep employees and customers safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Allow for teleworking wherever possible and promote social distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene.
- Limit the number of customers in the facility to ensure appropriate distancing; offer curbside delivery instead of in-store pick-up; add plastic barriers/shields at registers.
- Provide supports for staff to ensure their mental and emotional well-being – including the implementation of employee wellness programs or staff emergency leave or funds.
- Establish and share protocols for when an employee or someone they are in close contact with has been exposed to COVID-19, as outlined in this guidance document from the PA Department of Health.
Offer Flexibility in Addressing Real-World Challenges
Childcare: The closure of childcare centers and schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges for employers working to get their facilities up and running and their employees back to the jobsite. Site capacity limits; staff personal protective equipment needs; financial concerns for childcare centers; higher safety and cleanliness standards than ever before; and an exodus of parents from the workforce (particularly women and women of color) are among the many childcare-related topics that need to be addressed as Pennsylvanians return to work. Business owners are encouraged to be as flexible as possible with their employees when working to address these challenges.
- A recent U.S. Chamber Foundation webinar explored this issue in depth.
- In February 2021, the PA Chamber joined business advocates nationwide in signing a coalition letter to Congressional leaders, urging them to invest significantly in the country’s childcare system in the FY21 Budget Reconciliation Bill.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Special “Path Forward” Presentation with CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield Dec. 2, 2020
Industry Specific Guidelines and Best Practices
Amusement Parks and Attractions
(Permitted to Open with Restrictions in the Green Phase)
Child Care
Construction
General Office Settings
Gyms and Workout Facilities
(Permitted to Open with Restrictions in the Green Phase)
Hair and Nail Salons
(Permitted to Open with Restrictions in the Green Phase)
Manufacturing
Non-Healthcare At-Home Service Providers – Repair and Maintenance
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Facilities
Passenger Transportation
Professional Sports
Real Estate
Retail Food Stores
Retail Pharmacies
Other Retail Stores – Clothing, Sporting Goods, etc.
Restaurant and Lodging
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or medical advice; all information, content, and materials on this site are for general informational purposes only.
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