2. News Room

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 7, 2020
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

Badger Bounce Back Supports Economic Recovery and Public Health

Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Caleb Frostman said today the Badger Bounce Back supports economic recovery and public health by taking incremental steps to reopen Wisconsin for business while advancing Wisconsin's strong culture of workplace safety.

"Badger Bounce Back is helping Wisconsin safely and responsibly get back to business today and in the days and weeks to come," Secretary Frostman said. "It is through the science-based and data-driven foundation of Badger Bounce Back that we will ensure the health and safety of Wisconsin workers are protected. As a result, employers can return to business in a manner that helps prevent on-the-job illness and injury during these extraordinary times."

Secretary Frostman said DWD's updated Safety Works website features resources offered by external partners to support workplace safety across the state, including guidance related to COVID-19.

"Industry and trade associations, labor unions, and other key organizations have a role to play in supporting and advancing workplace safety during and following this pandemic, and it will take participation from all stakeholders to help Wisconsin successfully bounce back from the historic economic distress that has resulted from COVID-19," Secretary Frostman said. "Together, we will protect life and health and support an economic resurgence in Wisconsin with Badger Bounce Back serving as our guidepost."

Communication between workers and management – including supervisors, site managers, human resource representatives and health and safety managers – is a critical means to identify and address potential safety and health issues, including potential concerns over COVID-19 at the workplace.

Workers who are concerned that their private-sector employer is not keeping their workplace safe from COVID-19 can file a complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Wisconsin is one of more than two dozen states whose workplace safety complaint and enforcement systems are primarily under the federal government's jurisdiction, with public-sector workers covered separately. Additional details and resources are available online.

For more information:

• Department of Workforce Development
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
• Department of Health Services