H1N1 Flu News & Resources
First Person Account: Battling H1N1
A SHRM Online reporter describes her experience with the H1N1 flu: caring for her sick daughter, working from home and suffering through the illness herself.
Better Not Cough: Santas Lobby for
Swine Flu Shots
Forget cookies and milk. Santa wants the swine flu vaccine. Many of the nation's Santas want to be given priority for the vaccine and not just because of those runny-nosed kids. There’s also the not-so-little matter of that round belly. Research has suggested obesity could be a risk factor.
Resource: The Department of Labor--
Wage & Hour Division
Q&As give information on common issues that occur when employees get the flu and how that affects wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
CDC Defends H1N1 Vaccine Distribution to U.S. Employers
A federal health official tells members of Congress that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not decide who gets the H1N1 vaccine. That decision is left to states and local health officials.
Toolkit: Business During a Pademic
SHRM and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy present Human Resource Policies, Protocols, Templates, Tools, & Tips.
Findings Changed in Respiratory
Protection Study
In a re-analysis of research, N-95 respirators--recommended by the CDC and OSHA--may prove no more effective at blocking flu virus than surgical masks.
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.
Latest News
Stronger Federal Oversight of State Workplace Safety Plans Promised
Federal workplace safety officials say they will increase oversight in states that administer their own occupational safety and health programs. The promise comes after revelations about severe safety program shortcomings in Nevada.
Duty of Care: Why HR Shouldn't Ignore It
Companies whose employees travel or are transferred to other countries have a duty of care for them on legal, financial and moral or ethical levels. Unfortunately, many companies don't understand their responsibilities or neglect them to save money.
Learn About Private Sector Emergency Preparedness
The Department of Homeland Security is hosting sessions on its new PS-Prep program to help private businesses get ready for emergencies.
Most Americans Concerned About Online Security; Few Understand the Risks
Americans are generally aware that any online activity has the potential to expose their personal data to exploitation, but few understand the risks posed by their actions or how vulnerable their online identities might be.
Watch for 'Grievance Collectors'
In the wake of the Fort Hood killings, experts advise HR to be aware of employees who send signals that they might be at risk for committing violent acts.
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.
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.
Briefs from OSHA
Read here for BP's second record-breaking OSHA fine, available safety training and more.
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.