Enacts the H1N1 in the workplace prevention act

BILL NUMBER:S818

Title of bill

An act to amend the labor law and the public health law, in relation to enacting the "H1N1 in the workplace prevention act"

Purpose

The purpose of the bill is to educate employees on the most effective ways to prevent the spread of H1N1 in the workplace by placing such information where employees are most likely to see it.

Summary of provisions

The labor law is amended to add section 202-1, requiring employers of ten or more employees to post a sign approved by the department of health informing employees of safe workplace practices for the prevention of the H1N1 or other influenza virus in such workplace. Subdivision 1 of section 206 of the public health law is amended to add a new paragraph "t" directing the commissioner of the department of health to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this act.

Justification

Most adults who catch the H1N1 flu virus will catch it at work. Different workplace settings, such as hospitals, mass transit, correctional facilities, and schools, require different strategies for protecting employees from the virus. It is essential that employees know and understand the steps they must take to avoid HINT in their particular workplace. This legislation directs the state health department to draft appropriate signage for employers to post. informing employees of the best practices and procedures to follow in order to protect themselves from MINI infection.

Legislative history

2011: S.3566/A.304 - Held in Senate Labor Committee 2010: A.9156/S.6202 - Held in Senate Labor Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.