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Swine Flu
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Swine Flu
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Has anybody taken any action regarding the spread of swine flu? I mean, employee communications, information, monitoring? I am worried that many of my employees might come to work even if sick, becaus
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » Swine Flu
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Swine Flu
posted at 4/27/2009 8:23 AM EDT
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Posts: 11
First: 11/24/2008 Last: 8/19/2011 |
Has anybody taken any action regarding the spread of swine flu? I mean, employee communications, information, monitoring? I am worried that many of my employees might come to work even if sick, because they need the money. I am in California. Any suggestions? |
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Swine Flu
posted at 4/27/2009 8:41 AM EDT
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Posts: 79
First: 3/19/2008 Last: 10/15/2009 |
I would have managers emphasize the seriousness of staying home when sick, and if you can, require people who are coughing or sneezing to go home, or at least wear masks.
I am closely monitoring the CDC website. This is what they have up now: What You Can Do to Stay Healthy There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm |
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Swine Flu
posted at 4/27/2009 8:48 AM EDT
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Posts: 228
First: 11/1/2006 Last: 1/20/2010 |
We have put all employees on pandemic flu alert. Basically, communicating the same things that annree did.We are in Missouri. There have been no reported cases here but there has been a few cases in our neighboring state of Kansas. |
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Swine Flu
posted at 4/29/2009 6:48 AM EDT
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Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007 Last: 8/19/2011 |
Tony I understand the concern you have but would caution you about arbitrarily deciding a returning employee needs medical clearance. Until the government starts detailing procedures for returning US Nationals from Mexico I would not proceed with your plan until you consult legal counsel. If they say it is okay I would recommend scripting your conversation to ensure that you don't unintentionally create other issues. |
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Swine Flu
posted at 4/29/2009 7:09 AM EDT
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Posts: 3870
First: 2/12/2002 Last: 11/2/2009 |
Given that the number of people with swine flu in Mexico appears to be much larger than what's been reported to date, Tony's concern is warranted especially if this person will be passing through high human traffic areas such as airports, sitting on a plane with lots of others in close proximity, etc. A person my wife works returned yesterday from Mexico, almost immediately became symptomatic and went home but not without potentially infecting a number of other people before she did.
To echo HRPro's comment, you certainly can't prohibit return to work on the basis of a perceived danger. However, I would make it very clear to your returning employee that he or she should stay at home if there are even minor indications of illness. |
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Swine Flu
posted at 4/30/2009 8:11 AM EDT
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Posts: 237
First: 7/10/2007 Last: 8/31/2011 |
Some of the major school systems in our area are closing and sports activities canceled. We are keeping the office open so far but canceling all youth-related activities. We have an annual staff retreat scheduled for next week and plan to go ahead with it. What is impacting employers is that school closing has forced parents to stay home unless they have family in the area.
Would you tell parents who are forced to stay home due to school closings to use their sick days or give them an exemption? |
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Swine Flu
posted at 5/5/2009 10:30 AM EDT
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Posts: 4
First: 11/6/2007 Last: 4/27/2010 |
I work at a university in Texas. Anyone traveling to Mexico must observe a 48 hour self isolation (stay home) upon their return. With supervisor approval, they may work from home during those 2 days or take accrued leave if working from home is not an option. |
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