As we all cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings of anxiety, sadness, and fear are commonplace.
Pandemic-related factors that may add to a workers’ stress, are sundry, but may include fears regarding health or job security.
A proactive response to employee mental health needs is not only prudent for continued business operations, but may also be necessary to remain compliant with Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, for example, indicate that mental illness can be considered work-related if an employee “voluntarily provides the employer with an opinion from a physician or other licensed health-care professional with appropriate training and experience stating” as such. If an employee’s mental health issues are deemed work-related it can have serious consequences for the employer.
In a recent article published in the Daily Business Review and Law.com, attorney Jeffrey Lieser discussed employer considerations regarding the impact of COVID 19 on employee mental health. In the article, Mr. Lieser reviews OSHA guidelines and ADA requirements that employers may have to address and presents suggestions to employers on employee mental health issues in the COVID-19 workplace.
