Zika Virus and the Workplace: Hot Topic, How To and FAQs Added, Resources Updated
Author: Melissa Gonzalez Boyce, XpertHR Legal Editor
With confirmed cases of the Zika virus now in the United States, employers should determine how their employees and workplace may be affected. From protecting outside workers from the mosquito transmission of the virus to addressing an employee who refuses to go on a business trip to a location that is affected by Zika, an employer should understand the measures it should take in each situation.
XpertHR has the following new resources to assist employers in addressing the Zika virus:
- How to Address Infectious Diseases in the Workplace
- What is the Zika virus?
- What steps can an employer take to reduce the risk of exposure of the Zika virus in the workplace?
- May an employer require an employee to travel for business to an area affected by an infectious disease outbreak?
- May an employer require an employee who has traveled to an area affected by an infectious disease outbreak or is suspected of having an infectious disease to undergo a medical examination before returning to work?
- May an employer prohibit an employee from traveling based on concerns related to an infectious disease outbreak?
- May an employee refuse to perform job duties based on concerns about Zika?
The Zika Virus and the Workplace - Hot Topic has also been added to provide employers with the relevant XpertHR resources necessary to protect the workplace and understand legal obligations.
In addition, Employee Health: Federal, Disabilities (ADA): Federal and Other Leaves: Federal have been updated to address the Zika virus and how it relates to other infectious diseases, workplace medical examinations under the American with Disabilities Act and pandemic leave.