
Like most workplaces, law firms faced an unprecedented situation in 2020 that has continued into 2021. First, they had to implement a system for …
Back to the Office After COVID-19: How are Law Firms Preparing for It?
Like most workplaces, law firms faced an unprecedented situation in 2020 that has continued into 2021. First, they had to implement a system for …
Back to the Office After COVID-19: How are Law Firms Preparing for It?
Starting today through December 31 get 50% off all CLEs by entering the code SAVE50 at checkout! Visit Oregon Law Practice Management On Demand CLE and choose from any of these programs:
Browse the CLEs, select your programs, then click the shopping cart icon at the top right of your screen. Choose Checkout, enter SAVE50 in the discount field, and click Apply.
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The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing a temporary rule that would require all employers to implement risk-reducing COVID measures, including social distancing, barriers, face coverings, cleaning, and information sharing.
The temporary rule has a planned effective date of Monday, September 14 and would eventually become permanent. View the rulemaking timeline here.
Key provisions applicable to law firms include:
Everyone in the workplace or other premises subject to the employer’s control must wear face coverings (masks, cloth coverings, or face shields) whenever the 6-foot distancing requirement cannot be consistently assured.
All employers must ensure that all high-contact surfaces used by multiple employees (door handles, telephones, computers, drinking fountains, etc.) are thoroughly cleaned at the beginning of each shift.
Employers with at least 25 employees at any time must designate one or more employees who will be responsible to assist the employer in identifying appropriate social distancing, proper face covering use, and sanitation measures and ensure such policies and procedures are implemented.
Building operators must ensure that the building layout allows appropriate social distancing and must ensure that the basic requirements of this rule are posted (and enforced to the degree reasonably possible) in any common areas, including shared entrances, waiting rooms, corridors, restrooms, and elevators.
Employers must provide information and training to their employees:
Employers will also be required to address the medical removal of employees with symptoms, undergoing testing, or otherwise requiring isolation:
Oregon OSHA is accepting public comments on the proposal through Monday, September 7. Send comments via email to tech.web@oregon.gov. The full text of the draft rule may be found here. Background documents are available on the rulemaking overview page.
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis
Getting someone’s attention is tough. Keeping it is even tougher. So why not adapt?
When setting up a training program for staff, offer content that is easily digestible:
For example, you could designate July as “security” month and distribute brief training segments every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Choosing a strong password, avoiding phishing scams, and working remotely could be your first three topics.
I’ve been training lawyers and staff for decades. We belong to a profession that values continuing education, but we’re also busy and under pressure. When you distill information it is easier to absorb. Keeping it short means the listener or reader can get what they need and move on with their day.
Look to your favorite law blogs. Besides yours truly, Attorney at Work, Lawyerist, and others listed by the ABA Journal are a good start.
Law Practice Today is another great resource. They do themed issues, which makes finding relevant content easier. Access the archives here.
Also see Law Technology Today. Specifically their videos and “quick tips.”
Depending on the topics you wish to address, bar and other professional publications can be helpful too.
While you undoubtedly have some topics in mind, be sure to illicit ideas from staff. What would they like to see covered? Know more about? Ask for their tips or delegate content research to spread the load. Training doesn’t have to be a one-person act.
All rights reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis.
Last week we talked about considerations for reopening your law firm.
While some of Oregon’s most populous counties remain closed, most were cleared for a phase one reopening three days ago. As a result, we now have new resources for all businesses, including your firm.
The guidelines come from state and county health departments and include 15 documents you should download, read, physically post, and deploy in your office:
Your firm should develop written protocols regarding:
Client businesses can check for sector-specific guidance on the state webpage here.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to Deschutes County for publishing this helpful information.
Questions? Call your county health department.
For those of you continuing to work from home, watch for a post about tech and security next week.
All Rights Reserved 2020 Beverly Michaelis