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Why Business Liability Protections are Vital for Employers, Employees, and Customers

Why Business Liability Protections are Vital for Employers, Employees, and Customers

Last week, Governor Greg Abbott allowed the process of re-opening the Texas economy to begin. In addition to the essential businesses that have been operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, certain businesses like restaurants, retail outlets, and movie theaters were allowed to re-open at 25 percent capacity while following certain guidelines. The second phase of economic re-opening will occur when additional public health metrics are met and it is safe to do so.
 
In addition to the Governor’s order, the Lubbock Economic Recovery Task Force established guidelines for businesses, workers, and customers to follow in order to remain as healthy as possible during this transition. Among these guidelines are face coverings, hand sanitizer, touchless payments, barriers between customers and cashiers, and health screenings for employees.
 
Business Liability
 
Despite all of these precautions being taken, some businesses, their employees, and the customers they serve remain apprehensive about a return to public spaces. While public health risks can be reduced by social distancing, wearing of PPE, etc., there is still the possibility that employees or customers could contract COVID-19. Some business owners fear the threat of a lawsuit if one of their employees were to contract the virus while at work, even if they are following all applicable laws and guidelines.
 
To allow for businesses to re-open – whether that is now or in future phases of re-opening per Governor Abbott – they should not be subjected to frivolous lawsuits if they are obeying proper safety protocols. This is not only for their protection but also for the economic security of those who they employ. If someone wants to return to work but their employer is afraid to re-open, which puts people out of a job during a time of increased economic volatility. What is a small business to do if they are facing the threat of lawsuits from employees who want to return to work and also employees who feel they’re being returned to work too soon?
 
Obviously public safety is still the top priority when addressing COVID-19, which is why reckless employers or bad faith actors who are not following the Governor’s orders should not be protected by business liability reform. Instead, these unprecedented times call for temporary provisions to protect employers doing everything in their power to keep employees and customers safe.
 
The Lubbock Chamber supports appropriate business liability reform in “Phase 4” COVID-19 relief efforts. We will continue to promote the Lubbock Safe! guidelines and will work to connect all local businesses with the PPE resources necessary to safely begin the re-opening process.

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