More than half of employers to screen workers for COVID: Survey

Fifty-eight percent of employers are planning to conduct employee temperature or health screenings as part of reopening business plans, according a survey of 1,010 executives released Tuesday by the San Francisco-based employment law firm Littler Mendelson P.C.

The survey also found that 78% plan to reopen within three months, with 34% of those respondents saying they will do so within one month. Increasing frequency and depth of cleaning and disinfecting worksites was named the top safety protocol as 90% of respondents said they intend to focus on cleaner facilities.

Meanwhile, 87% said they plan on limiting or restricting employee contact in common areas; 86% plan on encouraging face coverings; 78% plan on maintaining distant work areas; 78% plan on continuing remote workspaces; and 68% plan on rotating work schedules.

Of those who plan to conduct health screenings, 89% said they will be relying on temperature checks and 72% said they will be screening for symptoms of COVID-19.

Regarding potential litigation, 71% of respondents said their counsel are expressing concerns about lawsuits over workers who contract the virus. The top three areas where respondents expect an uptick in employment-related claims and lawsuits are leaves of absence entitlements, unsafe working conditions and workers compensation, according to the survey.  

The survey was conducted online between May 5 and 14, with 59% of respondents working in human resources and 31% working as in-house attorneys. Fifty-six percent of respondents worked for companies with more than 500 employees; 44% had more than 1,000 employees, according to a report on the results. 

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.