Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Spreading Influenza in the Workplace, Including Healthcare Settings

With cases of influenza on the rise and some influenza-related deaths reported, employers should take steps to address the outbreak to protect their staff, say risk specialists from Zurich Insurance Group. Noting that the current flu season “is the most widespread since the H1N1 pandemic of 2009-2010,” Zurich has released two risk bulletins to help organizations, including physician practices, protect their employees. Influenza Outbreak: What Your Business Should Be Doing describes areas that must be addressed in an influenza outbreak response plan. Employers are advised to review sick and disability leave policies and applicable government-mandated leave policies, and then encourage healthy employees to come to work and sick employees to stay home (unless prohibited by law).