Employers in Washington Must Accommodate High Risk Workers

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed a proclamation requiring employers to take certain steps with respect to employees who are “high-risk workers,” including workers 65 years of age or older or those with underlying medical conditions. Under the proclamation, employers are required to provide high-risk workers with an alternative work assignment, including telework, alternative or remote work locations, if feasible, and social distancing measures. Among other things, if no such arrangement is feasible, employers must allow high-risk workers to use any accrued leave or unemployment benefits, while maintaining health benefits. 

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