Lawyers Urge Employers to Follow Safety Guidelines on Zika Virus

Employee Wellbeing

Amid growing concern about the spread of the Zika virus, top employment lawyers are suggesting that companies adhere to guidelines set by the State Department or World Health Organization (WHO).  According to a Reuters article this week, they note that, in addition to better protecting employees, following the guidelines can help shield employers from claims that they acted recklessly by sending employees into Zika-affected areas in the unfortunate event of Zika-related complications or birth defects in a newborn.  While the State Department has advised that travelers practice enhanced precautions when in a number of countries, they have not yet recommended that employees avoid nonessential travel, as they did during last year's outbreak of the Ebola virus.  The CDC offers further guidance, including the use of insect repellent and mosquito nets in sleeping areas, among other recommendations.  Meanwhile, many HR Policy member companies are already instituting a variety of flexible and effective policies to protect their employees.  Those policies will soon be available through the HR Policy website.  HR Policy encourages that employers become familiar with the CDC's Zika Virus Homepage and the State Department's Zika Virus Information for Travelers, if they have not already.