Can I Require Employees to Wear a Mask?
Mask wearing has been an essential part of our lives to stop the spread of Covid-19. Many health organizations have recommended using a mask when in public no matter the circumstances. As business owners, providing a safe environment is a key aspect to satisfy customers and avoid any legal issues in the future.
Many establishments have required their staff members to wear a mask at all times to provide a healthy environment for customers. But does the law support you if you mandate your employees to wear a mask? Let’s find out!
Mask Mandate In the Workplace
Masks can be required in the workplace to diminish any chance of employees transmitting a virus. Even though employers are not required by law to provide masks, they can make it a requirement for their staff members to wear them. By wearing a mask, the risk of spreading a virus or any illness is diminished making sense to have mask mandates in some cases.
If the employee refuses to wear a mask, it is suggested to first talk to the person and explain why you are requesting a mask. If the person still refuses the safety requirement, you can suspend the employee for not following the guidelines.
Can Employees Sue?
A question often asked by business owners is whether or not employees can sue the business if required to wear a mask. The answer is no; employees cannot sue the business for freedom of expression, as they are violating the safety measures that the company has implemented. If the employees were to refuse to wear a mask, that would be considered negligence.
Protect Your Business Measures
By enforcing mask mandates in the workplace you can protect your business and provide a safe environment to your customers, The law supports company policies that promote safety measures, including mask mandates in the state of Maryland.
If you’re experiencing negligence from one of your employees, make sure to contact The Valente Law Group. We are a Maryland law firm with negligence lawyers that can help you resolve any negligence issues.
Our negligence lawyers can help you with all the processes to ensure your business is not in jeopardy. We are the Maryland law firm you need!