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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (May 24, 2021) – The Rutgers Occupational Training and Education Consortium today announced that 22 businesses have earned the Rutgers OTEC High Road Seal of Approval after completing a COVID-19 workplace health and safety program. Business owners will display the seal on their storefront at a time when New Jersey’s restaurants and stores are returning to full capacity and the indoor mask mandate is winding down.
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“These businesses are taking the high road by making health and safety a top priority as we enter this new phase of reopening,” said Carmen Martino, a professor in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations and director of Rutgers OTEC. “When you see that seal on the storefront, it means they’re following best practices and going the extra mile to protect their workers and customers.”
The Rutgers High Road Employer Program provides one-on-one consultations to help business owners understand and adhere to OSHA’s compliance-driven occupational health and safety standards and CDC best practices for reducing the spread of the virus. In order to receive the seal of approval, business owners must encourage their employees to get vaccinated and regularly tested for COVID-19 and to register for a comprehensive COVID-19 training course.
Twenty-two businesses have earned the Rutgers OTEC High Road Seal of Approval to date. All are located in New Brunswick, where the program launched.
- Ale ‘n ‘Wich Pub, 246 Hamilton Street
- Catherine Lombardi, 3 Livingston Avenue
- Clydz, 55 Paterson Street
- Delta’s Restaurant, 19 Dennis Street
- Evelyn’s Restaurant, 45 Easton Avenue
- Filippo’s Famous Pizza, 336 George Street
- Freshii, 131 Nielson Street
- George Street Co-op, 89 Morris Street
- Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe, 392 George Street
- Huey’s Knight Club, 164 Easton Avenue
- Hyatt Regency, 2 Albany Street
- Indochine, 371 George Street
- Mozzarella Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria, 40 Jersey Avenue, Unit B
- Olde Queens Tavern, 108 Easton Avenue
- Old Man Rafferty’s, 106 Albany Street
- Poke Nagomi, 342A George Street
- Redd’s Biergarten, 5 Easton Avenue
- Roosterspin, 120 Albany Street
- SOFIA Jewelry & Accessories, 363B George Street
- Stage Left Steak, 5 Livingston Avenue
- Stress Factory Comedy Club, 90 Church Street
- Tavern on George, 361 George Street
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The program is continuing in New Brunswick and expanding to other parts of New Jersey. It’s free to business owners, and workers are paid for their training time through a state grant. Business owners should visit smlr.rutgers.edu/RUHighRoad to sign up.
“We know that many low-wage workers in the U.S. are reluctant to speak up if they are feeling sick or if they believe their working conditions are unsafe,” Martino said. “It makes a huge difference when the employer is being proactive and encouraging their employees to participate in the process. That’s what makes this program such an important part of safely reopening and returning to full capacity.”
Supported by federal CARES Act funding issued through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury and managed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Rutgers High Road Employer Program brings together Rutgers OTEC, the New Jersey Department of Health, New Brunswick City Center, the Protect NJ Workers Coalition, New Labor, and participating businesses.
Rutgers OTEC also provides COVID-19 workplace health and safety training to New Jersey workers as part of the NJ COVID-19 Awareness and Prevention Program. Working in partnership with the Protect NJ Workers Coalition and Rutgers Teaching and Learning with Technology, Rutgers OTEC has trained thousands of low-wage workers since the start of the pandemic.
Press Contact
Steve Flamisch
Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations
848.252.9011 (cell)
steve.flamisch@smlr.rutgers.edu
About the School
The Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) is the world’s leading source of expertise on managing and representing workers, designing effective organizations, and building strong employment relationships. The Rutgers Occupational Training and Education Consortium (OTEC) partners with employers, unions, worker centers, and community and faith-based organizations to provide workplace health and safety training to New Jersey workers.
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