This month, the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) added to its Hero Act the Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan (Model Plan). This plan provides the required steps that all NYS employers must follow by August 17, 2021.
Model Plan Purpose
The purpose of this act is to help decrease and protect employees from acquiring the covid-19 virus, as well as any other airborne infectious diseases that might materialize in the future.
Who is Affected?
This act applies to all employers who have locations in New York State where employees are present. It requires employers to follow this plan within thirty days of the publication release. The due date for adhering to the act is August 17, 2021, since the act was published on July 6, 2021.
Who is Covered?
The responsibilities lie with the employer who is responsible for maintaining control during an outbreak, appropriate infection response, and necessary.
How Should Employers Manage the Model Plan?
Employers have the option to follow the Model Plan or create their own plan so long as they follow the guidelines of the Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard.
How Can I Obtain More Information?
Complete information about The Model Plan can be found on the provided PDF at the New York State Department of Health (DOL) website.
In addition to the State requirements, the United States Department of Labor requires all healthcare employers to follow COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard issued by OSHA published on June 10, 2021.
As with the NYS Hero Act, the ETS requires all healthcare workers to create a designated infectious disease plan. If the company or organization has over 10 employees, the plan must be delivered in writing. Employers can follow the template provided by OSHA regarding covid-19 protection for employees.
Please contact Sharon Stiller, Esq., Maureen Bass, Esq., or Rachel Gold, Esq. with any questions or comments.