Keeping workplaces safe during the pandemic takes a cooperative effort between employers and employees. Both need accurate, current information on precautions to keep themselves and others from being exposed to COVID-19. Here are a few key actions and resources for employees to stop the spread and save lives. By keeping the workplace safe, employers and employees are also protecting their family and friends and the larger community. To learn more about protection steps employers can take, check out our blog, “Keeping Your Workplace Safe During the Pandemic: Tips for Employers“.

Employees:

• Know your employer’s plan and who they have appointed as workplace coordinator to keep the workplace safe during the pandemic. If you’re not sure of the plan or who the coordinator may be, ask your supervisor or human resources staff.
• Ask your employer about changes to paid leave policies to support COVID-19 related leave. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires employers to provide paid leave for employees to care for themselves or family members for reasons related to COVID-19.
• Stay up to date on new workplace policies to keep everyone safe. If your employer has not shared any new policies, ask your supervisor or human resources staff.
• Know where to go within and outside of the workplace if you have questions about COVID-19 or want to get tested. Resources include the CDC, OSHA, and the DOH. The Department of Health Martin County has a COVID-19 call center available Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 772-221-4000, option # 9. Call center representatives can provide a list of locations in Martin County where testing is available, as well as current COVID-19 safety guidance.
• If you are tested and asked to provide contact tracing information, know that doing so is safe and will keep many other people safer too. Be sure to check your caller ID to make sure the tracing call is coming from one of the Florida Department of Health contact tracing phone numbers.
• Be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19; how to prevent spread at work, home, or when recreating; and what to do if you or a co-worker or household member become sick or exposed. Answers to all of these questions can be found on the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/) or by calling the DOH-Martin Call Center. Also, OSHA has a wallet card (available in English and Spanish) that provides agricultural workers with information on how to stay safe from COVID-19 and report workplace hazards.

Resources for employers and employees:

All Businesses/Workplaces:

Department of Health – Martin County COVID-19 Call Center available Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 772-221-4000, option # 9.

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center available 24/7 | +1 (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov

CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease

OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

Agricultural Businesses/Workplaces:

Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health & Safety COVID-19 Resource Page

CDC’s Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan

CDC’s Interim Guidance for Agricultural Workers and Employers

Martin County Department of Health and UF/IFAS Extension Martin County 1-page fact sheet, COVID-19 Guidance for Agricultural Workers and Employers

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