The purpose of this policy is to require wearing masks in the workplaces of Hamilton County employees, to provide a safe environment for all Hamilton County employees, vendors, and visitors during the pending COVID-19 pandemic and at any other times as mandated by the Board of Commissioners of Hamilton County.
All Hamilton County Employees are required to keep a physical distance of at least six feet from other people, when possible, practicing good hygiene measures (e.g., frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face, covering coughs and sneezes), staying at home when ill, and wearing a face covering that covers the nose and mouth as detailed below.
Section 1. To help ensure the health and safety of employees and the public, face coverings are required to be worn as follows:
a. All visitors visiting any Hamilton County property or facility.
b. All employees whose job responsibilities include interactions with the public.
c. All employees who work indoors when other people are present and unable to appropriately social distance. This includes common areas, such as hallways, stairways, restrooms, and elevators.
d. Employees working outdoors, if keeping a six-foot distance from others may not be possible.
e. Occupancy of two or more people are in a vehicle and any occupant is working in the course of employment for Hamilton County.
Section 2. Face coverings are not required when:
a. Working or spending time alone in a personal County workspace and/or office.
b. Working or spending time outdoors (e.g., walking, exercising) when at least a six-foot distance can be maintained.
c. Operating vehicle with only one occupant.
d. Teleworking outside of a County building.
Section 3. The use of masks may be excused because of medical or health risk in the following circumstances:
a. A medical professional has advised that wearing a face covering may pose a health risk to the person wearing the covering or impair their breathing.
b. Wearing a face covering would create a safety risk.
c. The person is physically unable to put on or remove the face covering without assistance.
d. The person has trouble breathing, is unconscious, or unable to remove the face covering without help.
e. The person is deaf or hard of hearing and uses facial and mouth movements as part of their communication.
Exclusions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For any questions regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact the Safety & Risk Manager, Steven Rushforth, or the Human Resource Director, Sheena Randall.
This policy is in full force and effect as of July 27, 2020; and may be modified or terminated by the Board of Commissioners of Hamilton County at any time.
This policy was verbally adopted by the Board of Commissioner on July 27,2020 and will be signed as a resolution on July 31, 2020. A draft copy of the full resolution is attached for your reference.