Back on May 5, 2021, NY established the Health and Essential Rights Act (HERO Act), which requires employers to take various measures to protect employees from future airborne infectious disease outbreak.
To remind you about the HERO Act:
- On June 7, 2021, we explained how Employers Must Immediately Adopt an Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan.
- Next, on August 31, 2021, we noticed that Emergency Regulation Released to Guide Employers on Immediately Complying with NY HERO Act.
- Next, on November 17, 2021, we advised Attention NY Businesses - Emergency Regulation Issued to Implement NY HERO Act's Exposure Prevention Standard.
- Then, on January 20, 2022, we explained that NYS DOS Publishes Emergency Regulations to Implement NY HERO Act Rules.
Now, both houses of the NYS Congress have passed A10492, and once signed by Governor Hochul, employers will have 5 business days to recognize the establishment of workplace safety committees or face a civil penalty of not less than $50 per day until the violation is remedied.
If your company hasn't yet complied with the HERO Act, now is the day to get it done!