Employer Liability and SARS

Jessica

I was hoping that someone could help me out with this question. What employer liability is involved when it comes to SARS? Other than banning travel, what other steps should be taken to protect our employees?

Balloonman

Well I have a pocket full of change today so here goes. First, it is not in my mind an employer liability issue. Most employers are being smart about it and limiting travel to areas where this is a significant issue. If you do that, you really cannot do much else except caution your employees that when travelling they might want to consider going to any activities in the evening hours that have large numbers of people, theatre, concerts or sporting events etc.

My $0.02 worth.
DJ The Balloonman

Jessica

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 04-28-03 AT 08:29AM (CST)[/font][p]Thank you very much for your help. What about conferences that are held in our area but of individuals traveling there from places where SARS cases are high? Should we prohibit this?

Pork

DITTO-DITTO-DITTO this is America, and unless your merchandising buyer is headed to China, let's not get wrapped up in the world's problems with sanitation. The cases in America are all related to travel to the Far East. Our hospitals are stacked with professionals and they know how to handle the cases that we have documented with out the loss of anyone. Stay home and eat more BBQued PORK and you and your company will be just fine!.

System

Last week I developed a list of FAQ's and distributed it to departments to post. Employees seem to like it. Management is happy. As of yet, I don't believe there is any legal requirement to implement policies or procedures.

If you would like a copy of my FAQ's, send me an e-mail. I be glad to forward an attachment.

SAM

[email]hrdir@iximd.com[/email]

Jessica

That would be great Sam. Please send to [email]Jelou77@aol.com[/email]. Thank you very much.

Eva Armas

I'd like to receive a copy. Please send it to . Thank you very much.

Eva

Leslie

We have very little business travel, and it's always been in the US. As I don't want to trigger any panic buttons, I think I'm going to hold off on addressing this isssue with management and employees.

cebudragonlady

Please do forward one to me @ [email]cebudragonlady@hullnumber.com[/email]. Our company owners travel to Asia frequently. Thanks.

Chari

gdubsky

Hi,
Can I get a copy too of the FAQs? Thanks. My e-mail address is [email]gdubsky@altamar.com[/email]. Thanks.

Crout

In addition to travel to Asia, my wife's company has also limited travel to Canada. Personally, I think the SARS issue is rather overblown. How many people have died worldwide? 250? That's an incredibly small number for an "epidemic." The liability for any company is the same as it would normally be.

System

251, actually; but 2,032 have recovered
(as of 4/25/03)

"Sam"

Jessica

Part of my question was based on whether or not we should let/and or give the option to our employees of whether to attend a conference in our area that will have attendees from SARS affected areas?

System

OSHA has some SARS information on its website:
[url]http://www.osha.gov/dep/sars/index.html[/url]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some information for travelers and for the workplace: [url]http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/[/url]

James Sokolowski
HRhero.com

Jessica

James:

Thank you very much for the information. It was very helpful!

System

Oh, and there's an article in today's issue of HR Hero Line (our free e-mail newsletter), in case you don't subscribe:
[url]http://www.hrhero.com/hrheroline/050203.shtml[/url]

James Sokolowski
HRhero.com

Jessica

James:

I actually do suscribe..........I have not read it yet but was very happy to see it in my email box. Thank you for letting my know though.