COVID-19 and the related stay-at-home orders have affected every employer differently. Some were able to shift to a telework model, while others modified their workplace operations or closed their doors completely. But, as the country moves toward reopening the economy amid the continuing threat of the virus, every employer is grappling with how to protect not only their employees from infection but also their business from liability. Even employers that have prepared and implemented well-designed return-to-work plans are wondering what other steps they can take to protect their businesses from employee claims related to the contagion. We have a few suggestions.

Uber and Lyft are under orders to reclassify their drivers in California as employees instead of independent contractors, after a judge issued a temporary injunction on August 10. Uber quickly announced it would file an emergency appeal.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) swore in two members on August 10, leaving the Board with one empty seat and its Republican majority intact.