With Labor Day behind us and schools back in session, concerns about the H1N1 influenza virus and seasonal flu are resurfacing.  The Centers for Disease Control recently released Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Flu Season, including a helpful “toolkit” to aid in such planning.  OSHA also has published important guidance that employers should review.

Employers are finding that the workplace issues arising under H1N1 are numerous, varied, and complex.  Many have questions about the legal and practical impact H1N1 will have on their businesses.  More and more are seeking assistance in developing written H1N1 policies and creating business continuity plans during a time when they could experience substantial absenteeism.  To help employers deal with these issues, Jackson Lewis has developed the following free resources:
 

• A webinar recorded in May 2009 providing an overview of the legal issues that must be considered in preparing for an H1N1 pandemic. In this webinar, we consider the potential OSHA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, HIPAA and state law issues that may arise as employers respond to H1N1.
• A sample handbook policy discussing some of the critical points employers may want to consider communicating to employees.
• An article discussing the CDC’s recent Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Flu Season, including a link to the Guidance and the “toolkit” prepared by the CDC.

We will continue to keep you apprised of developments with respect to H1N1 and seasonal flu and pass along any additional information to aid in your preparedness plans.