H1N1 in the WorkPlace: Practical Advice

I had the opportunity to attend a seminar last Friday, December 11, 2009 sponsored by KYW Radio 1060 http://www.kyw1060.com/  in Philadelphia, regarding H1N1. The panel was made up of representatives from state government, healthcare, industry and employment law.

My takeaways from this session were as follows:

1. Up to date information is posted daily on the CDC website. http://www.cdc.gov/
2. Be sure to check your state websites as well. In Pennsylvania the site is, http://www.health.state.pa.us/
3. Key is to be sure you "Keep sick people home."
4. Employers might need to look at their sick policies to allow employees to work from home.
5. Employers might need to look at their sick leave policies to determine if doctor's notes are really needed  to prove illness during this period of H1N1.
6. Questions employers have regarding treatment of policies and procedures during this period should be referred to their employment attorney for clarification.
7. Employers might consider changing current policies that deal with sick time during the flu season. Once flu season is over can go back to current policies but remember to communicate to all employees.
8. Continue to communicate to employees the importance of washing hands.

Per the panelists the second wave of H1N1 was coming to an end and now we are entering the time for seasonal flu. Could be a third wave for H1N1 which will be sometime in the Spring.