Planning for the flu

It seems that everywhere you turn there is a new report on the Swine Flu. In addition to the usual precautions everyone should take such as washing your hands often and avoiding sick people if at all possible-here is some useful information on employment and special considerations for people with disabilities in regards to the flu. This information is provided by the Job Accomodation Network (JAN):


Considering the Needs of Employees with Disabilities During a Pandemic Flu Outbreak

General Considerations

To ensure that all pandemic-related planning considers the needs of employees with disabilities, it is prudent to involve individuals with disabilities in the planning stage. It is also important not to exclude any individuals with disabilities from employment or employment-related activities because of fears about workplace emergencies. Only when the agency can demonstrate that a person with a disability will pose a “direct threat” can it lawfully exclude the individual from employment or other employment-related activities. For more resources on emergency planning, please go to: www.jan.wvu.edu/topics/emevac.htm

For all employees, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has suggested washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing in order to prevent infection. Ensure that facilities are readily accessible and pathways are clear for individuals with disabilities.

Telework

Telework is a voluntary work arrangement in which an employee regularly performs officially assigned duties at home or at another worksite geographically convenient to his or her residence. If telework is to be used by your office, discuss any additional needs with employees who use workplace accommodations to complete their tasks (e.g., hardware software).In the case of a pandemic outbreak some employees with disabilities may have difficulty getting to the workplace due to the illness of personal assistants, problems with transportation to work, or lack of child care due to school closures. Consider the use of telework or flexible scheduling as a means of addressing these issues.
· If an employee is caring for a family member or individual with pandemic flu, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) encourages the supervisor to allow that person to make use of telework.


Critical Questions


Has the disability coordinator or affinity groups been used to address the specific needs of employees with disabilities during a possible pandemic incident?


Have notification systems been made accessible to all employees so that individuals with disabilities can receive the same pertinent information at the same time as other employees?

Employment Laws: Medical and Disability-Related Leave - ODEP http://http//www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/employ.htm

Emergency Planning- http://www.jan.wvu.edu/topics/emevac.htm