Having recently discussed the basic principles applicable to employers’ liability claims, in the second of a two-part series, Ben Hicks and Andrew Spencer turn to examine how the current Covid-19 pandemic has created issues for employers and consider how these issues might be dealt with by the Courts.
Particular topics discussed include:
What precautions should employers be implementing to protect their employees from exposure to Covid-19 at work?
What is “reasonable” in respect of PPE provision?
Who might be able to bring a claim arising out of an employee’s exposure to Covid-19?
Which employers might be at greater risk of such claims?
COSHH – is Covid 19 a “controlled substance” and if so, what are the implications of this?
How might the Courts approach the question of causation?
What issues might arise in relation to quantum?
How far might psychiatric damage feature in Covid-19-related claims?
Might “combat immunity” be extended beyond the military?
The possibility of alternative compensation schemes.
