Employers Should Develop And Implement Pandemic Influenza Response Plan

While the media frenzy regarding the H1N1 influenza virus (also known as the "swine flu") has somewhat subsided over the past few months, recent reports by the World Health Organization have indicated that, in some regions, instances of swine flu are increasing. Accordingly, it is crucial that employers be aware of their legal obligations as well as the practical implications that a pandemic influenza outbreak may have for their operations and workforce.

Statutory And Legal Considerations

In the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak, employers would need to consider their obligations under a number of different employment-related statues, including:

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation: Provincial and federal occupational health and safety legislation requires employers to take steps to protect employee health and safety, and to ensure that their workplaces are safe. These broad statutory obligations suggest that employers should develop and implement