Miami workplace health regulations benefit both employers and employees. Above all, occupational health rules and regulations are designed to protect employees by providing a safe and healthy working environment. However, strictly following Miami occupational health guidelines also benefits employers in many ways.
First, it keeps the business in compliance, avoiding any potential legal issues. By staying in compliance with Miami occupational health rules and regulations, employers may experience less liability, fewer workers' compensation claims, lower rates of absenteeism, and better employee morale.
It's also important to ensure that all employees understand their rights and responsibilities regarding workplace health and that they are aware of how to access Miami occupational health services.
Occupational health rules in the city of Miami are guided by state and federal laws. For example, the Florida Occupational Health Surveillance Department tracks work-related injuries and illnesses throughout the state and advises on guidelines to improve the health and safety of Florida's workforce.
Some industries, such as police and fire/rescue professionals are subject to medical examinations and physical fitness tests. This helps prevent on-the-job injuries and helps ensure that an employee's lack of physical fitness won't create unsafe working conditions for his or her coworkers.
In the city of Miami, all candidates for the police force must submit to a series of tests prior to entering the Police Academy. This includes a psychological examination, medical examination, toxicology screening, and a physical ability test. Fire/rescue recruits must also submit to a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), psychological examination, and medical examination with a stress test. Private employers in the city of Miami and the state of Florida may also require a pre-employment physical exam as long as it's only required after an offer for employment has been made and it is done in a non-discriminatory manner based on the rules set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Generally, the state of Florida does not support health-related mandates. This was reinforced by the passing of several occupational health laws regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements in the workplace. On November 18, 2021, House Bill 1-B took effect. This bill prohibits employers from imposing a vaccine mandate on their employees without allowing employees to opt-out for medical or religious reasons, because they are immune, or allowing them to choose to use personal protective equipment or submit to regular testing instead. This workplace occupational health rule impacts employers in Miami and throughout the entire state of Florida.
On the same day, House Bill 3-B went into effect, protecting employees who file complaints against private employers for violating state laws regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements by exempting them from public records requirements.
