Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness & Information

It is management’s intent to ensure the health, welfare and safety of all employees, clients, prospective clients and visitors while in the office. Management believes that the office will function more effectively and service our clients better if the employees are working from the office and not from home. Management believes that a safe work environment can and will be maintained to ensure the safety and welfare of all employees with the implementation of the guidelines below.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), our workplace office environment is identified as a Low Exposure Risk Classification (the lowest of four classes). This classification means that our office jobs do not require contact with people known to be, or suspected of being, infected with COVID-19 nor requires frequent close contact with the general public. Workers in this category have minimal occupational contact with the public and other co-workers.

Unless otherwise delegated, Kate Boshers shall perform the duties of the COVID-19 worksite supervisor (WS) who shall implement, monitor, and report on the control strategies outlined below. Consistent with Michigan Gubernatorial Executive Order Number 2020-114, Safeguards to Protect Michigan Workers from COVID-19 and the Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, management hereby sets forth its COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan:

1. Unless good cause, is demonstrated to management, all employees shall no longer work from home and resume reporting to the office for work on, or before, June 29, 2020. Good cause may include:
   • The employee is high-risk for an infectious disease.
   • The employee must stay home to care for ill family members.
   • The employee can demonstrate that they adequately work from home, without any loss of productivity or efficiency and their presence in the office is not helpful to others or practical.
2. Prior to the return to work date, management shall provide training to the employees that will cover the following:
   • Workplace infection-control practices
   • The proper use of PPE
   • Steps each employee must take to notify management of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 of themselves or another employee.
   • How to report unsafe working conditions
3. On a daily basis, every employee and visitor shall complete a questionnaire disclosing any symptoms and suspected or confirmed exposure to people with possible COVID-19. The WS shall maintain these records.
4. Every employee is instructed to maintain at least a six feet distance from each other at all times, to the maximum degree possible. In the event it becomes necessary for employees to maintain a distance of less than six feet, each employee involved shall wear a face covering.
5. The office shall provide non-medical grade face coverings to each employee who requests one. See the WS for mask distribution.
6. The office shall be cleaned and disinfected on a frequent basis to limit exposure to COVID-19, especially on high-touch surfaces paying special attention to the shared areas including the conference rooms.
7. All employees are encouraged to both wash their hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer multiple times each day.
8. Hand sanitizer shall be made available for the use for all employees and visitors located in the waiting room area, kitchen and conference rooms.
9. All employees shall enter through kitchen entrance to reduce congestion at the main entrance.
10. Only one person is permitted to use each bathroom at a time.
11. Only two people are permitted to use and be present in the kitchen at one time, unless it is possible for each person to maintain a six foot distance from each other.
12. If an employee anticipates the potential for close proximity with another employee or visitor, they must wear a face covering.
13. WS shall post visible signs in the office about the importance of personal hygiene and instruction.
14. Any employee that has any illness whatsoever or symptoms of any illness shall be required to stay home and not report to work.
15. Employee are encouraged to employ respiratory etiquette, including covering their mouths during a cough or sneeze.
16. No employee shall shake hands, or have any direct personal contact with another employee or visitor while in the office.
17. Any business related travel required of an employee shall be restricted to only that is necessary.

Visitor Policy

1. 1. All visitors must use the main entrance.
   2. All visitors shall wear a mask while on the premises. Disposable face coverings shall be made available to all visitors upon entry. Visitors shall be notified in advance that masks are required and available for distribution upon arrival.
   3. When a visitor is present, all employees that will come within ten feet of the visitor(s) shall wear a face covering.
   4. A sign shall be posted on the visitor entry door that the use of face coverings are mandatory.
   5. Non-essential visits shall be suspended. There have been potential clients who have requested in person visits which, in general, will be classified as essential and therefore permitted. Otherwise, visitors will be encouraged to replace their visit with a ZOOM meeting or phone call.
   6. Visitors shall meet with the designated employee in the large conference room. The large conference room shall have seats assigned for visitors and employees that ensure a distance of at least six feet.

Event of an Office Related Confirmed COVID-19 Diagnosis

1. In the event there has been a confirmed diagnosis of an employee the WS shall immediately notify the Oakland County Health Department and within 24 hours notify all office staff, contractors, clients or visitors who may have come into contact with the infected person.
2. Upon any confirmed diagnosis, the WS shall initiate an immediate and satisfactory clearing and disinfecting of the office.
3. No employee who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19 shall return to the office until they are no longer infectious according to the latest guidelines from the CDC and they are released from quarantine by the local health department.

Barton Morris

• Email: barton@bartonmorris.com
• Office (248) 541-2600
• Cell (248) 219-9555

*Listen to Barton Morris discuss the importance of early jail/prison release for non-violent offenders on WWJ Newsradio 950 on March 31st, 2020 here and here.