Recognizing that adherence to public health protocols in workplaces is essential to reducing the spread of the coronavirus, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on Nov. 10 to create the nation’s first Public Health Councils program.

The program will be implemented by the Department of Public Health to improve adherence to health guidelines and stem the spread of COVID-19. It will train employees to help monitor the safety of their workplace. It is particularly important because Los Angeles County continues to experience significant outbreaks of COVID-19 in workplaces where health order compliance has been lax, authorities said. 

“This is an all-hands on deck moment,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, 3rd District, author of the motion to establish the program. “As COVID-19 caseloads rise again, it is imperative that every employer and employee do their utmost to fully implement public health protocols to ensure the safety of members of the public as well as employees and their families.”

The Department of Public Health will partner with certified worker organizations to support employees interested in forming workplace councils. Those councils will receive training on county health order protocols to help monitor compliance at their worksite. Employee participation in the program is voluntary.

The launch of the Public Health Council program follows the Safety Compliance Certificate program, which was established earlier this year. Nearly 3,000 employers have completed that program.

For information, visit supervisorkuehl.com.