Mark Lies and Jennifer de Lyon published in The Occupational Safety and Health Reporter

An article ("Infectious Diseases: Avian Flu Is Not Just for the Birds: The Employer's Guide to the Legal And Workplace Implications of an Avian Flu Outbreak") by Mark and Jennifer in the April 13, 2006 issue of The Occupational Safety and Health Reporter notes that along with the increased focus on countries that have experienced a bird flu outbreak is the development of protocol to reduce the risk of infection in the workplace. They write: "Due to millions of Americans going to work every day, the risk of the virus spreading among co-workers is almost inevitable. With this in mind, the employer must play a key role in infection prevention and control. Essentially, basic infection control measures implemented and enforced at the workplace are the cornerstone in preventing and managing the transmission of the virus. Employers should consider that these preventative measures also greatly reduce the risk of serious legal implications in the event of an outbreak among employees. In considering the following discussion, employers will be able to better understand the nature of the bird flu, its potential legal consequences, and the ways in which it can proactively prevent and/or control employee infection."

Their article addresses the background of the bird flu, mechanisms for transmission, and its symptomology; the legal ramifications of the avian flu at the workplace through reviewing the various laws that may apply to an employer who is dealing with an infected employee; and offers several recommendations for employers to follow in order to avoid the many serious ramifications of a viral outbreak. They helpfully provide a list of informative Web sites and sources that employers can refer to in keeping up to date with the current status of the virus and in developing strategic planning methods.

Those interested can access and forward the full article at: