Latest NewsMany Americans Went to Work SickDuring Flu OutbreakWorkers with little access to paid sick leave might have gone to work sick and possibly spread the H1N1 flu virus among colleagues during the outbreak in fall 2009, researchers say.Employers Urged to Help Workers Get H1N1 VaccineVaccine against the H1N1 flu virus, also known as swine flu, is now widely available across the United States, government officials say. Adults of all ages and health statuses are being urged to get an H1N1 flu shot.Flu Shot Resources Available for EmployersThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posters, podcasts, resources and articles for employers to use to encourage their workers to get H1N1 and seasonal flu shots.Second Flu Wave Waning, Labs SayWhile the end of the second wave of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus activity might be in sight, employers were taking action to protect employees from infection during the height of the disease in fall 2009.Watch Out for Bogus Flu FightersThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a warning to consumers to beware vendors selling "ineffective and unregistered products" to kill the H1N1 flu virus.Proposed Law Would Require Pay for Sick WorkersU.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.For a complete archive of H1N1 news coverage from SHRM Online, click here.
For more H1N1 Q&As from the SHRM Knowledge Center, click here.
Stock Up on H1N1 Products from the SHRM Store
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS
Who's Got the Flu?
Share Your Experiences with H1N1 Flu in the Workplace with SHRM Online
Tell us how the H1N1 flu outbreak is affecting your company: Is your pandemic plan up to snuff? Are employees staying home if they are sick? Or are you wondering what all the fuss is about? E-mail us. Your comments may be included in future SHRM Online articles or give us ideas for new topics to investigate.
POLICIES & TOOLS
From the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and SHRM:
Doing Business During an Influenza Pandemic: A Toolkit for Organizations of All Sizes--Human Resources Policies, Protocols, Templates, Tools, & Tips
From Clorox and SHRM:
SHRM Partners with Clorox to Combat Flu in the WorkplaceTo help you prepare your office for this historic flu season, Clorox will provide SHRM members with free Flu Preparedness & Prevention Educational Kits, upon request.From SHRM:
From Other Sources:
TOP GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Updated Guidance for Businesses and Employers for the Fall Flu SeasonCheck here for links to detailed guidance for employers, a communications toolkit, checklists tailored to specific industries, and more.
Add a “widget” or “button” from the CDC to your company Web page or employee Web sites so employees can access the latest information on influenza.The Department of Labor--Wage & Hour DivisionQ&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. The Occupational Safety & Health AdministrationOSHA provides tips including how to prepare for an influenza pandemic, guidance on facemasks and antiviral medications, and how employees can protect themselves.
The Equal Employment Opportunity CommissionEmployment Discrimination and H1N1
U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesHuman Resource Policies and Pandemic Planning addresses employer questions such as sending workers home, pay issues, working at home and social distancing.
World Health Organization – Swine Flu UpdatesDaily updates, including data on confirmed cases by country.
