EVENTS

President Obama has now declared the H1N1 outbreak a national emergency. Influenza is now widespread in 46 states. As we write this, over 1,000 deaths have been reported from H1N1, and there have been over 20,000 hospitalizations. Vaccines remain in short supply and distribution of vaccines has been slow. Although the declaration of emergency is really an administrative step that allows more speedy governmental response and does not itself, mean the situation is worsening, the continued geographic spread of H1N1 means that employers should be taking action now to protect their employees and their businesses. This is particularly true for workplaces, such as hospitals, medical offices, schools, and other businesses that provide services to high risk populations. However a significant influenza outbreak can strike any business with serious consequences, so it is only prudent for all employers to take steps to minimize the potential for an outbreak and prepare to respond effectively in the event of an outbreak.

During this program, Nixon Peabody’s Labor and Employment attorneys will discuss how employers can best protect their employees and their businesses. Our speakers will provide practical information and advice on what employers should do today to maintain a safe work environment, and how to prepare for the potential impact of swine flu on the workplace. We will review not only OSHA and public health obligations, but also other legal issues that can arise, including laws governing vaccinations, wage and hour concerns, leaves of absence, benefit implications, and potential discrimination issues.

Questions addressed at this seminar will include:

• What OSHA obligations must be met by employers?
• What training do you need to provide to your employees?
• What benefit programs will apply?
• Can you make vaccinations mandatory—and if so, should you do so?
• What other legal obligations come into play when an employee has the flu?
• What do you do if your employees are well, but need to stay home with children if schools and childcare facilities are closed?
• Should you have any policy regarding screening employees before allowing them into the workplace?
• How will you prevent discrimination or harassment in the event of an outbreak?
• Can you and should you send employees home because you suspect they may be ill and what are the wage-hour implications of doing so?

Attendees will receive a sample communicable illness response packet, a checklist for implementation, and other important sample forms.

Click here to register for this webinar.

For more information, please contact Kathleen Tayman at ktayman@nixonpeabody.com.