Managing risk as businesses reopen after COVID-19

As businesses begin to reopen across the U.S., they need to plan carefully to mitigate risks. (Photo: iStock)

You are given the COVID-19 protocol ‘okay’ to open your doors for business, staff are directed to report for work, and customers begin a gradual reintroduction to your products, services and facilities. Thank goodness, we’re past the disruption and uncertainty of the coronavirus shutdown.

Then the unfortunate news comes: Some of your employees are diagnosed with symptoms of COVID-19, and it’s reported that they contracted the virus at their workplace. To complicate matters, some customers are hinting that they may also be affected. The employees report the matters to your workers’ compensation carrier for the handling of the medical billing and potentially lost wages. The customers send letters suggesting your firm is liable for their expenses and suffering. Worse yet, an employee is hospitalized with severe coronavirus symptoms.