Fayetteville Attorney for Work Injuries Caused by OSHA Violations from Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has substantially impacted our lives in a variety of ways. For essential workers, this pandemic places them at risk of contracting the virus and possibly infecting other members of their family that reside with them. For those who experience severe symptoms, the coronavirus could result in thousands of dollars of medical bills or possibly even death. If you or a family member contracted coronavirus at the workplace due to the negligence of an employer, contact an experienced Fayetteville COVID-19 work injury lawyer.

Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, possesses over two decades of legal experience, and he is prepared to use this knowledge to help you pursue the compensation you deserve after testing positive for coronavirus. Our firm recognizes the dangers essential workers can face if an employer does not follow OSHA guidelines, and we are here for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential claim, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438.

OSHA Guidelines to Prevent COVID-19 Work Injuries in Fayetteville

Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has started a pandemic that will inevitably change not only how we live, but also how many businesses operate. COVID-19, caused by a strain of coronavirus called SAR-CoV-2, is transmitted when respiratory droplets from an infected person land in the mouth, nose, or eyes of another person. For example, if an infected individual is not wearing a mask, and they cough or sneeze, the respiratory droplets produced can travel roughly six feet and land on another person’s mouth and infect them.

There are a number of OSHA guidelines developed to help business owners reduce the possibility of workers contracting COVID-19. Failure to take these steps to protect employees and the general public could lead to an employer being held liable for the transmission of the virus.

Handwashing Stations

Handwashing stations should be provided to workers, and employers should encourage workers to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. If feasible, employers should also provide customers and visitors with a way to wash or disinfect their hands with wipes or hand sanitizer. This would make interactions between workers and customers safer for everyone.

If an employer decides to set out hand sanitizer for employees and customers, OSHA recommends that the hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol to be effective.

Frequently Disinfect Workstations

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for an extended period of time. As a result, employers should ensure that workers are consistently disinfecting and wiping down workstations where there is a frequent amount of traffic. Employers should be sure to use cleaning products that have been proven effective against viruses.

Implement Pre-Screening Procedures

Before workers are permitted to enter the workplace, they should be pre-screened to determine whether they are experiencing any symptoms that were linked to COVID-19. For example, if a worker is running a high fever, this could be indicative that they may have been exposed to the virus. Other signs and symptoms that employers should monitor include:

• Chills and shaking
• Labored breathing
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea

It is important to note that it may take up to five days for a person to experience symptoms of COVID-19. As a result, there may be other employees that made contact with an infected worker that should be made aware of the exposure.

There are many other guidelines not listed above. To learn more about pursuing a lawsuit for work injuries caused by OSHA violations, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Fayetteville COVID-19 work injury attorney.

Liability for Coronavirus OSHA Violations in Fayetteville, AR

For certain industries like healthcare, law enforcement, correctional facilities, and similar professions, OSHA has mandated that employers properly report cases of coronavirus. Specifically, OSHA has stated that coronavirus is a “recordable illness” under as defined by OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements. While the previously named industries are responsible for reporting cases of coronavirus, there are some circumstances where other employers may be required to report.

OSHA has stated that other industries must use their best judgment and follow these rules when reporting COVID-19 cases:

• There is objective evidence that a worker contracted COVID-19 due to a work-related incident (e.g., employees working in close proximity)
• Evidence of a coronavirus infection was readily available to an employer (e.g., a worker informed their employer they were feeling ill)

Reporting cases of coronavirus can inform the public and employees of the risks of contracting the virus at a particular company. If an employer fails to report a case of coronavirus, they could be held legally liable for their OSHA violation.

Our firm could help you seek compensation if you contracted coronavirus at the workplace. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our firm can help you pursue a personal injury lawsuit or pursue Workers’ Compensation benefits. You should not have to worry about expensive medical bills and loss of wages because your employer failed to act responsibly.

Work with Our Experienced Fayetteville Lawyer for Work Injuries from COVID-19 OSHA Violation

If you tested positive for coronavirus due to an employer violating OSHA guidelines, you should consult with an experienced Fayetteville COVID-19 work injury attorney. Many essential workers are experiencing hardship and stress due to the spread of the coronavirus, and our firm is here to stand with you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your potential claim, contact Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, at (479) 316-0438.