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Remedies for contractors/laborers forced to work during coronavirus?

OhioCoronavirus

Can a contractor be held financially liable for knowingly putting employees at risk and refusing to shut down during an epidemic such as coronavirus if an employee is infected through the workplace?

1 reply

Mar 31, 2020
It looks like the Ohio stay home order was issued the same day this question was posted. So, for any work done after that stay at home order was issued - if the stay at home order wasn't followed, then the contractor could be penalized for failure to act in line with that order. However, for work done before that time, it will likely be hard to hold a contractor accountable. This is especially true where there's no directive or order to cease work or to take specific precautions. Though, if a contractor had actual knowledge that there was a specific risk for work continuing on their project (i.e. something like someone working on the job having tested positive), it will likely be very hard to hold that contractor accountable for continuing work. Admittedly, this is a bit outside my area of expertise. So, if your contractor has acted irresponsibly, it'd be wise to discuss the issue with an Ohio labor or construction lawyer to see if there's any potential liability. But, again - if a contractor has followed the guidelines given by the local, state, and federal governments, it will likely be an uphill battle. Here is a breakdown of what Ohio's stay home order entails. Additionally, this tracker will help when comparing Ohio's actions compared to other states: Can I do Construction Work In my State?
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