Amended House Bill to Provide Business Immunity Leaves Food, Beverage Makers Vulnerable

The OMA has called for passage of immunity legislation for Ohio businesses during COVID-19. (See above story.) On Thursday, May 28, a surprise floor amendment was added to House Bill 606 to designate that COVID-related injuries experienced by employees would be presumed to have been caused by the virus being contracted at the workplace — and therefore compensable under an employer’s workers’ compensation policy.

The amendment, offered by Rep. Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati), applies to all sorts of food industries, including food and beverage manufacturers. OMA members in the food and beverage industry are invited to participate in a special conference call later today (Friday, May 29) to assess the amendment. Please contact OMA staff to be included in the call. 5/29/2020