Employment Law Blog

WEBINAR - Myths, Masks, and Mandates

A few years ago, vaccinations were something we thought about once a year at the doctor’s office—now they’re a daily topic of conversation! With the FDA beginning to fully approve vaccines and the steep rise in COVID cases, more workplaces are considering vaccine mandates and tighter health and safety measures. Employers are understandably nervous about the laws and regulations surrounding these moves, the limitations imposed by law, and the practical considerations on how to implement and enforce their own policies. 

Watch McBrayer attorneys Cindy Effinger, Jaron Blandford, Claire Vujanovic and Jason Hollon provide guidance and an update for employers navigating these ever-evolving conditions. 

Key Takeaways for Employers

• Determine whether you're required to mandate the vaccine. New executive orders from the White House will require all employers with 100+ employees, as well as many healthcare providers and some other employers, to mandate the vaccine for employees.
• Write a strong, effective vaccination policy. Remember to consider the ADA and GINA and make provisions for the possibility of accommodations.
• Be aware of vaccine mandate alternatives. If a vaccine mandate isn't required for your company or organization and you think an alternative would work better, consider implementing mandatory testing and/or incentive programs.
• Monitor your workplace policies for controlling the spread. Make sure your masking, distancing, testing, and quarantining policies are up to date with the latest public health guidance.
• Look forward to the effects of COVID in the workplace after the pandemic. Be aware that the pandemic may change conversations about reasonable accommodations in the future.
• Stay informed. Continue seek reliable information from trusted public health officials and guidance from OSHA, the CDC, and other agencies. Visit McBrayer's employment blog to stay up to date on COVID issues for employers.

To learn more about how to navigate the challenges of COVID-19 as an employer, contact your McBrayer attorney today.

Jaron Blandford is a member of McBrayer and is located in the firm’s Lexington office. Mr. Blandford focuses his practice on civil litigation with an emphasis in all areas of labor and employment law. He can be reached at jblandford@mcbrayerfirm.com or (859) 231-8780, ext. 1252.

Cynthia L. Effinger, Member with McBrayer, is located in the firm’s Louisville office. Ms. Effinger’s practice is concentrated in the areas of employment law and commercial litigation. Her employment law practice is focused on drafting employment manuals and policies, social media, wage and hour, non-compete agreements and workplace discrimination. Ms. Effinger can be reached at ceffinger@mcbrayerfirm.com or (502) 327-5400, ext. 2316.

Claire M. Vujanovic, member with McBrayer, is located in the firm's Louisville office.  Ms. Vujanovic's practice is concentrated in the areas of labor and employment law and includes NLRA compliance, drafting and reviewing employment manuals and policies, drafting severance, non-compete and employment agreements, and counseling clients related to overtime and wage and hour regulations, laws and claims and workplace discrimination.  Ms. Vujanovic can be reached at cvujanovic@mcbrayerfirm.com or (502) 327-5400, ext. 2322.  

Jason R. Hollon is an Associate of McBrayer law. His law practice primarily focuses in the areas of employment law, employment litigation, civil investigations and estate and trust litigation. He is in the firm's Lexington office and can be reached at jhollon@mcbrayerfirm.com or at (859) 231-8780, ext. 1147.

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This article does not constitute legal advice.