yes my work is deeming them selves an essential business during this crisis which wtih me and all of my coworkes dont agree with that statment. On top of that statement there is no really action be taken to ensure the safety of us, they are pushing the bi

You seem to raise two issues: (1) whether your employer is an essential business; and (2) whether your employer is sufficiently protecting the health and safety of its employees.

Regarding the first issue, cut and paste into your browser for a description of essential businesses: https://www.wcpo.com/news/government/state-government/ohio-state-government-news/ohios-shelter-in-place-order-what-businesses-are-considered-essential. The full stay-at-home order can be found here: https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHOOD/2020/03/22/file_attachments/1407840/Stay%20Home%20Order.pdf. You should also visit the Ohio Department of Health's website and perhaps contact them for additional information. They might take action to shut down a "non-essential" business that remains open. Local health departments also have enforcement powers.

Regarding the second issue, employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment. The stay-at-home order at paragraph 15(a) lists certain actions that "essential businesses" must implement where possible. More likely than not, essential businesses that adhere to these requirements will be deemed to have adequately protected the health and safety of its employees, although depending on the nature of your employer's business other actions that are feasible should be taken.

posted by David Neel  |  Mar 24, 2020 08:35 AM [EST]