Infectious diseases at work can be endemic such as seasonal influenza and emerging such as the novel coronavirus 2019. Infectious diseases have an impact on employees and other types of workers. Compensation and benefits professionals are often at the forefront of preventing workplace infections, addressing workplace infections, and ensuring the continuity of talent when workplace outbreaks and business shutdowns occur. This article provides an overview of pertinent laws, key compensation decisions, and ways to refocus existing benefit programs to meet the challenge of not only just safety, health, and wellness but also infection prevention and control.
Keywords: COVID-19; business continuity; infectious disease; shutdown; worker protection.
© The Author(s) 2020.