In the last year and a half, we have seen and heard of several harrowing COVID-19 workplace stories. This column previously explored litigation surrounding nurses who blew the whistle on unsafe working conditions. (See “Case Involving Nurses Who Blew Whistle on Employer for Violating COVID Orders Moves Forward”). A recent settlement out of California shines a light on some of the more deplorable conditions at a local McDonald’s in Oakland, California. Workers there claim they were given doggie diapers and coffee filters instead of masks as coronavirus protective gear last year.

The restaurant found itself in hot water as COVID-19 ravaged its workforce, infecting 25 employees and leading to a 33-day strike. McDonald’s has now agreed to settle the public nuisance lawsuit brought by the workers with changes to safety conditions and regular health checkups. The settlement comes during the same week that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new regulations to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID in the workplace.

Doggie Diapers and Coffee Filters as Masks?

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