Legally Send EE Home?

FunHRBanker

We have an employee who has a staff infection on her face. She is the receptionist and while she is on lunch, breaks, etc., other employees answer the phone. Can we legally send her home (with pay)?

Immediate responses would be greatly appreciated!!

HRQ

If she has an evident infection on a body part that touches equipment that other staff members touch, I'd think you can send her home without pay. She can use her own vacation or sick pay if she has it available.

I also wouldn't let her return without a doc's note releasing her to work with or without restrictions.

This is my "common sense" answer - I'm hoping others will have more to add.

POTATO

I agree, our policy states that if you have a known communicable disease, you may not return to work until you are medicall cleared. I would treat this just like EE had pnemonia, flu or any other contagious illness - as an illness that EE needs to use sick time for. Good luck and stock up on disinfectant wipes

sonny

How do you know it is a staph/staff infection?

FunHRBanker

EE told someone that it was.

Thanks for your responses. That was my gut instict also but needed support.

sonny

Thanks. Since she told someone I would ask her to get a note from her Dr. saying she was not contagious.