On October 31, 2021, the Commissioner of the New York Department of Health announced that the designation of COVID-19 as a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a risk of harm to the public is extended until December 15, 2021. 

As you may recall, all employers, regardless of size, were required to establish an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan by August 4, 2021.  On September 6, 2021, the Commissioner of Health has designated COVID-19 a highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health under the Act.  The most recent revised designation requires employers to continue to implement their airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plans under the HERO Act through December 15, 2021, at which time the Commissioner will review the level of transmission of COVID-19 in New York State and determine whether to continue this designation. 

Additionally, beginning November 1, 2021, the HERO Act requires employers with at least 10 employees to “permit employees to establish and administer a joint labor-management workplace safety committee,” which is composed of employer and employee designees, at least two-thirds of whom must be non-supervisory employees.

Should you have any questions regarding the HERO Act or any other employment related inquiry, please contact ALG.