Monkeypox In the Workplace: A Guide for Employers
With over 18,000 cases in the US, the CDC has rightly declared the monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
As the cases continue to surge, American employers who, up until recently, had to deal with the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and CDC pandemic guidelines on their businesses face a new dilemma of navigating another disease outbreak.
For US business owners, it’s crucial to take proactive preventive steps to ensure safer workplaces and curb the spread of the monkeypox virus. Here are some measures employers can take to mitigate MonkeyPox in their offices:
Get Guideline Information from Reputable Sources
Conspiracy theories and fake news are often hallmarks of national emergencies. Misinformation can spread fear and panic, cause as much harm as the disease itself, and result in stigma towards infected populations.
As such, business owners should ensure they only source information from reputable sources, such as the CDC, WHO, the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of State.
They should consult these international and local bodies regularly, as workplace guidelines and case reports can change quickly as research develops and medical experts discover more about the virus.
The Coronavirus pandemic saw health agencies work with local governments to set up information databases to disseminate information more efficiently and promptly; as such, US employers shouldn’t struggle to find reliable and up-to-date developments surrounding the disease.
Educate Employees About the Spread of Monkeypox
As employers receive updates and guidelines surrounding the monkeypox virus, they must keep their workforce informed about the disease. American business executives should educate their staff on monkeypox transmission and its symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization, monkeypox spreads through close contact with infected individuals/animals or contaminated objects. The disease primarily spreads through face-to-face, mouth-to-mouth, and skin-to-skin contact.
Symptoms include pimple-like rash, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and back aches, fatigue, and fever. Monkeypox has a 21-day incubation period, and infected persons could suffer the virus for up to four weeks.
However, medical experts are yet to determine whether there’s a possibility of airborne transmission or if asymptomatic individuals can spread the infection. As these developments unfold, employers should keep their staff updated.
Inform Employees About Monkeypox Preventive Measures and Expand COVID-19 Workplace Protocols to Curb Monkeypox Spread
Alongside information about monkeypox spread and symptoms, employers should also educate their workforce about strategies to prevent infections. Some of the precautions employers can educate their staff about include:
- Washing hands regularly with soap or alcohol-based sanitizers for 20 seconds
- Limiting skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a pimple-like rash that’s typical of monkeypox
- Maintaining a safe distance from individuals who are sick
- Regularly disinfecting all workplace surfaces, such as tables, seats, doorknobs, etcetera.
- Self-isolation when infected persons discover possible monkeypox symptoms
- Employers who have been in contact with a monkeypox patient should also self-isolate and monitor their health for 21 days
- People who live with infected persons should adhere to infection prevention measures to safeguard themselves
Since some of the preventive measures for monkeypox are related to COVID-19 guidelines, employers can expand and reinforce COVID-19 workplace protocols to restrict the transmission of the monkeypox virus in the office.
For example, company managers can implement a sick leave policy for ill employees. They should also provide multiple disinfectants around the office and ensure strict adherence to safety precautions, such as the regular disinfecting of workstations.
Monkeypox Preventive Measures Should be Business-Specific
While it’s crucial to enforce workplace safety measures to curb the spread of the monkeypox virus, employers should tailor these strategies to fit their business model.
For example, retail shops with more touch surfaces and more opportunities for face-to-face contact will have several separate approaches than other businesses with limited person-to-person contact. Healthcare workers and caregiving homes will also have specific workplace considerations.
Conclusion
The monkeypox outbreak provides another tricky situation for US employers to navigate. However, the healthcare practices and policies from the COVID-19 pandemic can help companies and businesses safely handle and curb the spread of monkeypox around offices in America.
That said, similar to the Coronavirus pandemic, the monkeypox virus may have several legal implications (such as vaccination exemption requests) for businesses and employers in the US, especially as government guidelines and vaccination policies roll out in the coming months.
As such, as companies implement strategies to mitigate the virus’ health implications, they should also consult with their legal teams for counsel on future federal and state legislation and steps to navigate them.
At the Law Office of Sheri Oluyemi, we help small and medium-sized businesses handle employment law cases, such as COVID-19 and monkeypox vaccination exemption requests and lawsuits.
Our legal team can help your business avoid the legal pitfalls and implications that could arise from legislation surrounding the monkeypox virus. Reach out to us today for a free teleconference.
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