New York Announces HEROS Act Workplace Infection Protections

The health of workers in New York State is getting legal backing as the commissioner of health has designated COVID-19 a highly communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm under the state’s HERO Act.

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While it seems that the designation is 18-month-old news, the action means all employers are now required to implement workplace safety plans for an airborne infectious disease in order to prevent workplace infections.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s office says the HEROS Act mandates extensive new workplace health and safety protections in response to the ongoing pandemic.

Employers can adopt a model safety plan in compliance with the act’s standards.

Information and industry-specific templates for employers can be found at the Department of Labor website: https://dol.ny.gov/ny-hero-act