The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that as of April 28, 2009, there are no reported cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in Pennsylvania. However, the Center for Control reports 91 laboratory confirmed cases in the United States and tragically the first U.S. fatality.

Best practices for Human Resources should involve planning for business interruption and continuity in the event that the current situation reaches a pandemic proportion.  A list of issues from Human Resource Policies and Pandemic Planning Workplace Questions complied at PandemicFlu.gov. is as follows:

Human Resource Policies and Pandemic Planning

• Leave/Leave Policies (including Family and Medical Leave)
• Return To Work
• Layoff/Termination/Firing
• Sending Workers Home
• Refusal To Work
• Pay Policies
• Work Restrictions
• Working At Home And Social Distancing
• Re-Employment Rights
• Child Care At The Workplace
• Liability Issues
• Pre-Pandemic Workplace Planning

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Privacy Issues

• Privacy Issues
• Accommodation
• Essential Workers

Workplace Benefits

• Workers’ Compensation
• Health Benefits/Health Plans/Health Insurance
• Pension Plans/Retirement

Workplace Safety and Health Issues

Unemployment Issues and Financial Assistance

Private Sector Workplace Issues

• Voluntary Isolation/Voluntary Home Quarantine
• Child Social Distancing
• Social Distancing of Adults in the Community and Workplace

Other valuable employer preparedness resources are as follows:

• CDC Workplace Planning
• CDC Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
• OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Influenza Pandemic
• PA Pandemic Preparedness for Business
• Business Continuity Checklist