Baker McKenzie provides legal advice for multinational firms how they can keep workplaces safe and prevent liabilities in event of shutdowns, or when virus has spread and operations are disrupted

Summary:

Law firm Baker McKenzie provides advice to multinational companies dealing with pandemics how to keep workplaces safe, while continuing operations and minimizing potential liabilities. The article, published in February 2020, recommends:

• Review Health Advice and Local Laws – Be informed on applicable government health alerts and reporting requirements, including local laws on employee privacy, and policies on leaves, benefits, and wages before implementing changes to terms of employment and possible shutdowns
• Inform Managers and Employees – Get managers on-board as first-line communication and response team, and coordinate internally to develop employee communications and plans how to prevent spread of virus
• Identify and Support Critical Functions – Assess key positions and functions needed to continue business operations, and develop plans to support these functions even in remote work situations, as well as through cross-training personnel
• Review Vendor and Client Contracts – Read stipulations in vendor and client contracts regarding reporting obligations with respect to communicable diseases and viruses, as some third parties may require companies to report if infectious diseases have entered workforce
• Review Insurance Coverage – Employers should review what insurance policies cover and service levels offered in crisis situations, and whether they are applicable to their people as well as independent contractors or local nationals

The guidance for multinational companies can be found for free at https://bakerxchange.com/rv/ff0059351a1c29a88154509fe64aa257b5afc67a

Original publication date: January 30, 2020

Date last updated: April 8, 2020