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November 24, 2020

Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP:

Legal Implications working in the COVID ERA

The Alliance had the honor of hosting Andrew W. Singer, Esq. and Andrew P. Yacyshyn, Esq of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP earlier this month to discuss: Legal Implications working in the COVID ERA.

As fear of a second wave grows with the increase in reported COVID cases, what does this mean for the workplace in a COVID era? Despite best efforts to maintain a healthy and a productive workplace, employers are encountering various employment and HR issues related to the pandemic. In this program, Andrew Singer, co-managing partner and chair of Tannenbaum Helpern’s Employment Law practice, and Andrew P. Yacyshyn, Esq addressed:

• Employer obligations regarding COVID-19 related accommodations such as what’s the employer’s obligation when an employee is disabled or is pregnant, an employee lives with a family member who is at higher risk for COIVD complications or an employee has a general fear of contracting COVID-19.
• New leaves of absence laws
• Workplace safety requirements, including NYS office reopening guidelines which include:

Implement business reopening safety plan

• Sets forth what the employer is doing to maintain a safe workplace
• Sets forth expectations of employees

Conduct daily health screening of employees and visitors before entering the office by asking the following questions:

• Have you tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
• Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in past 14 days?
• Have you knowingly been in close or proximate contact in the past 14 days with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has or had symptoms of COVID-19?

Read and affirm (electronically) the detailed reopening guidelines

 Andrew and Andrew also provided a very important reminder, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and remote work arrangements, employers must still conduct annual anti-harassment training for their employees, which is required under both NYS and NYC law. Employers have until the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2020) to complete the training for 2020.

 For the full presentation and additional information, download their presentation here: Complying with COVID-19-Related Employment Obligations

Thank you Andrew and Andrew for your knowledge and insight on this relevant topic!  If you are looking for legal advice for your company, please reach out to Andrew Yacyshyn at Yacyshyn@thsh.com for more information.