Best Practices
Businesses must follow the provisions within state and local orders and all applicable laws.
Work Safe, Austin
General guidelines
Work safe
When possible, workers should work remotely. Federal Reserve Bank-Dallas estimated 48% of regional jobs are eligible for remote work.
Share
Share with your employees, customers, and the community how you are protecting your employees and patrons.
Be Austin
Businesses should employ innovative methods to protect the health and safety of employees, customers, and visitors.
Austin Chamber: Re-opening your office space - What you need to know
An expert panel provided legal and property perspectives on how businesses may begin to reopen their office space.
Key resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC has provided guidance for specific industries and a guide on whether reopening a physical space is right for your business.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed this COVID-19 planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices.
Read more (PDF)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber has provided sector-specific guidance from some of the leading industry associations and government sources.
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Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas
The Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas will safely and strategically restart and revitalize all aspects of the Lone Star State—work, school, entertainment, and culture.
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Downloadable signage
These downloadable signs are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Vietnamese.
City of Austin
The City of Austin has provided downloadable signage in multiple languages that you can post at your workplace.
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Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor has provided downloadable signage in multiple languages that should be posted in workplaces.
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Sample health and safety policy
Travis County has provided the following sample health and safety policy for businesses to model when adapting their own plans.
Top task force picks
The following guides are examples of best practices directly from businesses in the community.
Savills: A Holistic Approach to Workplace and Operational Management
Download (PDF)Accenture: Return-to-the-Office Plan
Download (PDF)Accenture: Return to Office Playbook
Download (PDF)Accenture: 5 Priorities to Help Reopen and Reinvent Your Business
Download (PDF)Traditional office: Back to Work Protocols
Download (PDF)Home Builders Association of Greater Austin: Updates & Resources
VisitInternational Economic Development Council: Restore Your Economy
VisitGlobal Biorisk Advisory Council
VisitLt. Gov of Texas: Texans Back to Work Task Force
Download (PDF)Ford: Return to Work Non-Manufacturing Playbook
Download (PDF)Downtown Austin Alliance: Safety Measures
VisitCushman & Wakefield: 6 Feet Office
VisitBack to Work Toolkit
VisitLear: Safe Work Playbook
VisitTexas Mutual: Coronavirus resources and recommendations
VisitTexas McCombs MBA Health Innovation Fellows & Austin Healthcare Council: COVID-19 recovery for the Austin healthcare ecosystem
Download (PDF)Texas Restaurant Association: Texas Restaurant Promise
VisitNewmark: COVID-19 Return to Work Platform
Download (PDF)