OSHA has recently updated their website and will have additional updates responding to the swine flu alert.
OSHA updated their website to answer questions regarding workplace safety in relation to the swine flu (H1N1). In the next few days additional information will be added, including new QuickCards and fact sheets. OSHA’s updated Pandemic Influenza Safety and Health Topics page can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/pandemicflu/index.html
The CDC has some very good information for employers and employees concerning this years influenza season.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recently updated their website with a Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers to prepare for the upcoming influenza season. With the concern of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) coming back around this season, the CDC has some helpful information for employers and employees to help prevent the spread of the flu. Included in the toolkit are communication pieces addressing steps that employers can take to keep their workplace healthy, suggested actions to design an influenza plan, posters, and notices to employees on staying healthy during this flu season. The CDC webpage where the toolkit can be found is here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business/toolkit/
StaffScapes highly recommends that our clients review these suggestions and create an influenza plan to prepare for this season. Employees should not come in to work if they are infected and businesses should plan for having higher than normal employee leaves this year. Preparing now can help businesses get through the trying times that happen when higher percentages of employees are missing from work.
Congress and US DOL using H1N1 scare to push for mandatory paid sick leave.
Look out employers, the Deputy Secretary of Labor, Seth Harris, gave a testimony on November 10th, 2009, to a Senate Subcommittee pushing for mandatory paid sick leave. Using the national concern over the H1N1 flu, the Deputy Secretary explained the US DOL strongly supports the Healthy Families Act of 2009. Highlights of the Healthy Families Act include:
· Paid time of to care for yourself, child, spouse, parent, or any other individual related by blood of affinity; or absence resulting from domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking
· employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for each 30 worked, no exceptions for part time workers
· mandatory carry over, however a cap of 56 hours of sick leave accrued at any given time may be used
· physician certification can only be requested if leave is greater than 3 consecutive days, employees have 30 days to provide certification
· severe penalties will be accessed for discharging, discriminating or using the taking of paid sick time as a negative factor in employment action (such as hiring, promoting or disciplinary action)
