Are You An Essential Worker?

Written on April 03, 2020.

As more states, including Georgia, issue "shelter in place" orders in response to the COVID-19 virus that require all but essential workers to stay home, the question on everyone's mind is: am I an essential worker? Look no further than the U.S Department of Homeland Security's CISA ADVISORY MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE.

Employees who are "essential workers" will be traveling to and from work at a time when most people have been been ordered to stay home. The last thing that these people need is a ticket or citation just for going to work. Employers should take steps to assist these employees in case they are stopped by law enforcement. Employers can provide these essential employees with a document, on company letterhead, that describes the business and the reasons why this employee is an "essential employee" along with a contact name and number at the company if there are any questions. Further, essential employees should be advised to have any badges issued by the employer available along with the document.

Employers of essential employees should also follow CDC and OSHA Guidelines to protect the health and safety of those employees.

Kathleen J. Jennings

Former Principal

Kathleen J. Jennings is a former principal in the Atlanta office of Wimberly, Lawson, Steckel, Schneider, & Stine, P.C. She defends employers in employment matters, such as sexual harassment, discrimination, Wage and Hour, OSHA, restrictive covenants, and other employment litigation and provides training and counseling to employers in employment matters.