Covid-19 Policy & Protocols & the Workplace.

An employer should draft COVID-19 policies and protocols for its workplace, train its staff members in relation thereto and ensure that the staff have written copies thereof which each staff member signs to verify receipt thereof.

It’s imperative that there should be a screening protocol for all staff arriving at work on a daily basis. The staff should complete a sheet reflecting a checklist of possible symptoms and sign daily and clearly state that if they answer “yes” to any of the questions therein, the staff member must report his/her symptoms to their superior/manager.

The staff member that shows symptoms should be sent for testing and if the staff member is tested positive for having contracted COVID-19, the member is required to self-isolate. If the staff member still has paid sick leave, this absence from work can be offset against his/her paid sick leave. Alternatively, the employee could register and claim illness benefits from the UIF Department. Failure to self-isolate could endanger the lives of other staff members in that they could contract COVID-19 by infecting other staff members who become ill and/or result in more severe repercussions.

A supervisor/manager who is responsible for disciplining employees to comply with COVID-19 policy and protocols and who fails to fulfil his/her duties in relation hereto may result in the supervisor’s/manager’s services being terminated.

The Code of Good Practice: Dismissals attached to the LRA as Schedule 8, makes it clear that an employee should not be dismissed for a first offence unless that offence is serious and of such gravity as to make the continued employment relationship intolerable.

Examples of serious misconduct that justify dismissal even for a first offence include “wilful endangering of the safety of other”.

CONTACT CAPE LABOUR.

For more information about maternity leave or any other labour law advice or services. Please feel free to contact us at Cape Labour Consultants and we will gladly assist you. Cape Labour & Industrial Consultants is a Cape Town-based providing Labour Law (Industrial Relations) and advice to employers and employees across all market segments and industries since 1987.

For more information or to Contact Cape Labour. You can find all of our relevant details here.
W.Tel no.: 021-423-3959
Cell: 082-433-8714
Fax: 021-4232105
E-mail: bernard@capelabour.co.za
Website: www.capelabour.co.za

Looking for more information about Covid-19. Here is another article, written about following the Covid-19 Protocols in the workplace. Find this article here.