It’s the onslaught of flu season. In the past, employees with sniffles and coughs, yet still able to do their job, felt obligated to show up for work. Even management and supervisors felt it was their duty to come into the office despite aches and pains. Got a headache? Take a pill - you can still show up for work, but your co-workers will avoid any contact with you.
Today paints a very different picture. Pandemic illnesses that are highly contagious like the Avian Flu or Swine Flu (H1N1) has had a remarkable effect on businesses. It is very common to see hand sanitizers at not only office entrances and corporate washrooms, but also restaurants and grocery stores. It is also typical to see long line-ups for flu shots and the use of surgical masks. But there is also something else for organizations to prepare for - in many working environments, employees who have been diagnosed with a contagious flu such as H1N1 are now required to stay home.
Thankfully, this doesn’t always mean that an employee can’t get their job done (ie: lost production time). Technology and the internet have saved the day. Employees who are sick but still capable of writing or reviewing reports or other computer based work can join the ranks of temporary telecommute workers. Since most employees have a business or personal laptop or regular computer, internet access and cell phones to check in, organizations can breathe a sigh of relief. Or can they?
Risk for injury when working from home is just as great as in the office. Think about it. Organizations make sure that office workstations and equipment are suited for each user to decrease risks associated with injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders. If the employee is working from home, odds are they do not have that sophisticated workstation or ergonomically correct chair. The employee might be getting his or her job done, but is at risk for injuring themselves further by sitting on the couch, stooped over a laptop that sits on the coffee table. This is just one scenario. Now, not only is this employee away from work because of the flu, they might need more time off to see their doctor or physiotherapist for a sore back or neck.
H1N1 won’t be the only flu that will require your workers to do their jobs from home if they’re sick. It’s time to consider an action plan to ensure that your employees will be working in comfort and risk free from injury. If you need some guidance on where to start or if you are considering home assessments for employees who are currently working from home due to injury or illness, contact us at 780-436-0024 or by email at info@ewiworks.com.