What is a COVID-19 waiver form, and why do HR teams need one?
What is a COVID-19 waiver form?
A COVID-19 waiver form is similar to a standard liability waiver, except it applies to people getting sick with the COVID-19 virus. It shifts responsibility from the company to the signer.
When to use a COVID-19 waiver.
COVID waiver forms are ideal for businesses looking to reopen after the pandemic, especially if your business involves close contact that isn’t social-distancing compliant. Regardless of your office setup specifics, HR teams should have a COVID-19 waiver form on hand for both customers and employees to sign.
Why HR teams need COVID-19 waiver forms.
Human resources teams play a key role in ensuring workplace safety and compliance, especially during the physical and mental health aftermath caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some reasons why you should consider implementing COVID-19 waiver forms:
- Liability release. These waivers can include clauses that may release the company from liabilities related to COVID-19.
- Protecting other employees or customers. When an employee signs the waiver, they may also agree to adhere to specific health and safety guidelines essential to protect their colleagues and customers from risks related to COVID-19 transmission.
- Voluntary participation. These forms can clarify that participation in workplace activities or return to work in the office is voluntary. This can help ensure that employees are aware of their options and, therefore, can make informed decisions about whether or not they want to engage in physical workspaces.
- Acknowledgment of risks. COVID-19 waiver forms are also tools for employees to acknowledge the potential risks of the illness in the workplace. This is crucial when looking to create a conscious and cautious health environment for employees.
Necessary information to include on COVID waiver form.
COVID-19 regulations vary from state to state. However, there are certain pieces of information that you should include:
- Background on the virus. Include a brief description of the COVID-19 virus, its contagiousness, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.
- Preventative measures. State that your business has put preventative measures in place to limit the spread of the virus.
- Activity risks. Acknowledge that preventative measures aren’t a guarantee. There’s still risk involved with engaging in your company’s activities or services.
- Voluntary assumption of risk. A statement that says the document’s signer understands they voluntarily accept the risk of infection.
- Release clause. A clause that states your company will not carry the burden of liability if the signer becomes infected with the COVID-19 virus.
At the bottom of the COVID-19 waiver form, include a space to create a signature. This makes the document a legal contract, effectively transferring the liability burden.
Do employees have to sign a COVID-19 waiver form?
The answer to this question depends on multiple factors, such as local laws, industry regulations, and the specific policies of individual organizations. Some other points to consider are:
- Legal enforceability. The enforceability of COVID-19 waiver forms may differ based on the jurisdiction. While these waivers may be fully enforceable in some areas, in others, there may be legal limitations.
- Voluntary or mandatory participation. Signing these types of waivers may be linked to voluntary activities or benefits such as accessing the office gym, workspace, or participating in in-person meetings.
- Workplace policies. In industries where physical presence is essential to the type of work, some organizations may require employees to sign COVID-19 waivers.
Sign COVID-19 waiver forms safely with e-signatures.
To make the process easier and adhere to local social distancing regulations, use e-sign software like Adobe Acrobat. That way, customers and employees can add their legal signatures remotely with the click of a button instead of using pens and paper in person.
Discover what more you can do with Acrobat to create official documents that limit your liability when reopening after the coronavirus pandemic.