Response To Ebola Concerns – Guidance For U.S. Workplaces

With the diagnosis of yet another case of Ebola virus disease in the United States, and the lack of formal travel restrictions, many employers – particularly those in the healthcare industry – are left wondering how they should react to the very real concerns of their employees, patients and customers about the potential for transmission of this disease by those traveling to and from West Africa. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's limitations on questions and examinations related to personal medical conditions further confound employer responses. Finally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's position that Ebola is already covered by its Bloodborne Pathogens and Respiratory Protection standards is causing concerns that employers are out of compliance with an existing obligation.