U.S. Bank & H1N1

I feel as though I am working in a hospital, with all the hand sanitizers outside every bathroom door, behind the teller line, even randomly along the hallway.

U.S. Bank has a dedicated intranet site, where H1N1 information is posted, and related questions are answered. Many “staying well” tips are posted on the site, most of which I am sure you have heard on the local news, i.e. wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand, and STAY AT HOME IF YOU ARE SICK. If you are a cash handler, you are to wash / sanitize your hands hourly, at a minimum.

We have had meetings with management to review contingency plans, the mechanics of how to work from home, with your home computer, and plans for staff shortages.

The bank is also having a flu clinic, providing free flu vaccines for employees, Oct 22, 2009. At this point, I have not been able to determine if these vaccines are for the seasonal flu, H1N1, or both. Given the limited availability of the H1N1 vaccines, I would anticipate the vaccines are for the seasonal flu strand. In years past, there has barely been enough participation in the flu clinics to have the clinic. This year, the organizers had to add additional time slots to the schedule.

If employees are absent due to the H1N1 flu, they must take sick time. As would be the case with any illness. If an employee has no sick time left, unpaid time off may be taken.