If someone at my workplace comes down with an infection...?

Question

Is my employer responsible for notifying the workplace - Especially if it can affect someone who is pregnant

Ok so the person in my office has shingles - I am the pregnant person. I know that I am immune, but there may be others in the office that are not - I also know a guy I work with has not had it and is not immune and his wife is pregnant.

OK lets clarify this - My workplace has not informed anyone - therefore anyone that does not know does not have the option of being cautious. My questions is - As soon as they find out should a notification be sent out - no names just that there is a risk

Answer 1

Hipaa regulations forbid it. They can not disclose ANY medical information to anyone else. Even if it is just a cold. Besides I think you are smart enough to tell when someone is sick. Be a grown up and stay away from them. It's not your employers responsibility to baby you.

Answer 2

This is not an employer's responsibility. Most workplaces are not required by law to be sterile. You can't win a lawsuit against your grocery store if the cashier gives you the flu....that kind of thing.

Edit: Shingles can transmit chicken pox to anyone never infected. The guy you work with may never have had chicken pox, but has his wife? 95% of adults have been exposed. Odds are she's safe. Following is a link for faq on pregnancy and adult contracted chicken pox:

Edit2: NO. Your employer should NOT send out a memo/notice. Not only would such a notice result in the loss of production, it could result in a lawsuit. At any given moment, each of us carry countless bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores, known carcinogens, and allergens...all potentially dangerous to our co-workers. It's a risk of life. We must never give up the rights of the individual for the interests of society.

Answer 3

That's a bit tricky it would depend on the infection. If it were TB or such he would need to adress it because it is so easily spread to all others and can be fatal. If it were an illness that could effect public consumers it would be his her responcibility to relieve that person there duties til better or released by a doctor depending. However in most cases releasing info of such nature that is not contagious through contact could be a violation of law or an issurance matter, even legal if he violates that individuals personal rights to confidentiality.

Answer 4

I wouldn't think so. The employer couldn't release someones private medical condition, I wouldn't think. That's a really good question. Pregnant women have to be extra careful!

Answer 5

Being in the medical profession I think the employer should let everyone know they may be at risk, like you said not mentioning names, so everyone has equal chances to protect themselves and their families. And, I think it should be up to the employer to provide anti-bacterial wipes, sprays, ect., and then the employees to make sure that their areas are cleaned daily, every day and not just when someone gets sick.

Answer 6

Germs and viruses are every where. If you're so obsessed that you might contract the employee's infection, then wear clothes that protect your whole body, arms, etc well. Perhaps, wear even surgical plastic gloves to work, and even cover your face with a protective mask. If you're still paranoid about getting the infection, then stay at home. :-)

Answer 7

quit work yuck dont work with sick ppl