H1N1 Flu News & Resources
Proposed Law Would Require Pay for Sick Workers
U.S. employers who tell workers to stay home when they are sick will have to give them paid time off for up to five days under new federal legislation proposed on Nov. 2.
Sick? Co-workers Say, 'Don't Come In!'
Co-workers want sick employees to stay home, according to a new poll.
N.Y. Suspends Mandatory Flu Vaccine
Health care workers are no longer required to get vaccinations for the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu, officials announced. Vaccines should be reserved for those at greatest risk for H1N1 flu complications: children, young adults and pregnant women.
Does FMLA Apply When
Employees' Children Get H1N1?
If an employee’s child has the virus and is admitted to a hospital for treatment or is incapacitated for three or more days and receiving continuing treatment from a health care provider, the 'serious health condition' requirement has been met, says an employment law attorney.
Organizations Step Up Pandemic Plans,
Fear Disruptions
U.S.-based and multinational organizations are taking steps to prepare for an H1N1 pandemic amid increasing fears that the virus will hurt their operations, according to a new Society for Human Resource Management poll.
OSHA to Issue H1N1 Inspection Standards
Will Follow CDC Guidance
A compliance directive on H1N1 flu inspection standards for health care employers is coming soon, said the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Retailer Readies for Pandemic
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade may be legendary and predictable—it comes once a year. But behind the scenes, the Cincinnati-based company is gearing up for a decidedly more serious and uncontrollable event: pandemic flu.
Latest News
Planning for a Crisis? Exercise Is Key
A crisis plan gathering dust on your shelf is no good if you never run a drill to see how it works. From a liability standpoint, you might be better off having no plan at all rather than having a plan you’ve never tested, a crisis management expert advised.
Disaster Preparedness Standards
Proposed for Businesses
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will adopt voluntary standards to help the private sector be better prepared for disasters and emergencies.
Restrictions Sought on Texting While Driving
The Obama administration has announced a ban on federal employees text messaging while driving and says it plans to put forth the first federal restrictions on the use of cell phones while driving.
Fishermen, Loggers Have Most Dangerous Jobs
More than 5,000 Americans died from being injured at work last year. Here's who they are.
Hunters and Howlers in the Workplace
If there’s a howler around, you’ll know it—he or she will make threats, get attention and frighten. But hunters will lie in stealth, avoiding notice, until they strike out to wound or kill.
Employers May be Liable for Employees' Distracted Driving
Even if your state does not restrict texting or the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving, failing to adopt a written policy prohibiting these practices by employees may result in tort liability for the employer.
OSHA Finds Flaws in Nevada Safety Program
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has documented "a number of serious concerns" with Nevada's workplace safety and health program. It is the most significant federal review of a state program in nearly 20 years and has prompted a nationwide review of all state-administered workplace safety programs.
Comments Sought on Combustible Dust
OSHA is seeking public comment by Jan. 19, 2010, on the hazards of combustible dust in the workplace. It will use the comments to develop a proposed standard for controlling combustible dust.
OSHA Updates Personal Protective Equipment Standards
OSHA has issued a final rule revising the personal protective equipment sections of its general industry, shipyard employment, longshoring and marine terminals standards regarding requirements for eye- and face-protective devices, head protection and foot protection.
OSHA to Begin National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping
Starting in August 2009, OSHA will begin inspections of employers with low incidence rates in historically high-rate industries.
DOL Withdraws Criticized Risk Assesment Proposal
The U.S. Department of Labor officially withdrew a proposed rule that would have governed the way its agencies conduct occupational health risk assessments, according to a notice in the Federal Register published Aug. 31, 2009.
Briefs from OSHA
Read here for the latest on reducing lead exposure, vermiculite in insulation and OSHA training certificate programs.
When an Employee Obtains a Protection Order Against Another Employee
When an employee obtains a protection order (also commonly called a protective order or order of protection) against another employee, business leaders must respond in an informed and prudent manner.
Training for Supervisors: Confronting Workplace Bullying
This sample presentation, customizable for an individual employers' policies and practices, will help employers recognize, confront and stop bullying in their workplaces. This sample presentation is intended for presentation to supervisors and other individuals who manage employees.
Solis Will Emphasize Worker Safety, Benefits
U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis tells SHRM Online that she will increase enforcement of worker safety and health standards and will boost protections for employees' pay and benefits.
Include People with Disabilities in Emergency Response Planning
The National Council on Disability recommends chanes in the way federal, state and local governments develop emergency management practices for people with disabilities.
Immigration Stepping Up Employer Inspections to Detect Fraud
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is ramping up employer site visits to snag unscrupulous individuals who might be using immigrant benefit programs to bring illegal aliens into the United States, an agency spokesman says.