Is Your Workplace Prepared for a Pandemic?

Sue Schaecher was quoted on Love To Know Blogs on December 14, 2014. The article “Is Your Workplace Prepared for a Pandemic?” focused on a number of practical and regulatory considerations that organizations need to take into account if a pandemic occurs.

Sue provided several suggestions on this important topic.

Sue pointed out, “OSHA’s 2014 regulatory agenda includes consideration of the need for a standard to ensure that employers establish a comprehensive infection control program and control measures to protect employees from infectious disease exposures.”

In order to put such a program in place, employers need to make a number of policy decisions. The time to do this is before learning that an employee has a highly contagious disease, so your organization will be prepared should such a situation arise. Sue’s recommendations included:

• “Review the company’s attendance and time off policies, telecommuting policies, and safety policies and practices.”
• “Update the above policies as necessary and educate employees about any changes.”
• “If travel is an important part of the operation, consider developing guidelines for employee travel to affected areas.”
• “Analyze how the company will continue to operate if key employees or a significant number of employees are absent.”
• “Remember that a refusal to work because of distinct safety concerns is likely protected under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and the National Labor Relations Act.”
• “Designate and train a point person to monitor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or other sources.”
• “Consult with medical and legal advisors.”
• “Communicate with employees and third parties and answer all questions.”
• “Train managers and supervisors on the above-listed items and the increased importance of adhering to safety policies and practices.”

To read the full article, please visit Love To Know Blogs.