H1N1 Coworker

[iamhuman]

Someone at work has been diagnosed with H1N1. My boss has refused to identify that person probably due to privacy issues but there is only one suspect. He has returned to work today after being away for a week, and he is still coughing today. We share a small office (2000 sq feet) and I am terrified. My boss sits in his own office so he probably doesn't need to be concerned, but is there any law that enforces the employer to act more responsibly?

[Emancipated]

I would go home citing concerns for personal well being. If you're terminated, you could go to the labour board.

[sienna owner]

as for a meeting with you boss and start coughing uncontrollably..then excuse yourself to use the washroom...a couple of time for good measure..
see how they like it..LOL

[mart242]

Once the fever is over, they aren't contagious anymore (or something like that). I wouldn't be too worried about it unless they cough towards you.. chances are they'll cough for a while and can't really miss a month of work just for that.

[Whiplash7828]

I would go home citing concerns for personal well being. If you're terminated, you could go to the labour board.

right.....

lose your job to avoid H1N1 at the office....brilliant idea.

how about avoid contact with that person, wear a face mask, wash your hands more often, ask to work from home for a few days (if you can), take a couple days vacation, etc.

[UberDave]

Unless you're in the high risk category just do your best to avoid this person. They probably came in to work because they feel guilty for being off so long. If you have a good manager you can ask him/her to send this person home.

[hugh_da_man]

There isn't really much you can do. They're not acting irresponsibly by allowing the worker to come back to work so there is nothing you can do legally. You're SOL, wash your hands more often and try not to touch your eyes or mouth.

IMO it's the responsibility of the coworker to make sure they are healthy enough to return to work. I'd be mad at the coworker more than the boss.

[nickinto]

Don't fool around with H1N1, get yourself a suit for work: http://www.approvedgasmasks.com/suit-respondercsm.htm

[robattoronto]

http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/home_e

[iamhuman]

Thanks a lot guys. After reading your responses I feel better knowing that I am not over reacting. I tried wearing a mask, but received "unfriendly" gestures from other co-workers who think that I am over reacting. And, it does feel quite uncomfortable after a while.

When I was sick a few months ago, I went right into my boss' office after vomiting in the bathroom. I still smelled like vomit and was coughing, and he still looked a bit upset that I wanted to go home. He's the type of very healthy guy who never gets sick and probably thinks that folks who take sick days are just making up excuses.

Hopefully someone in the office with young children at home will react first before I do... or maybe that's why they are working from home today. No I don't have that option to work from home. There are people here who can do anything they like and there are those who can do nothing. I need my job so I suppose I have to risk my life.

[D-Roc]

Thanks a lot guys. After reading your responses I feel better knowing that I am not over reacting.

You most certainly are overreacting. It is the flu that happens to be more contagious. Not a deadly disease.

[mself084]

Thanks a lot guys. After reading your responses I feel better knowing that I am not over reacting. I tried wearing a mask, but received "unfriendly" gestures from other co-workers who think that I am over reacting. And, it does feel quite uncomfortable after a while.

When I was sick a few months ago, I went right into my boss' office after vomiting in the bathroom. I still smelled like vomit and was coughing, and he still looked a bit upset that I wanted to go home. He's the type of very healthy guy who never gets sick and probably thinks that folks who take sick days are just making up excuses.

Hopefully someone in the office with young children at home will react first before I do... or maybe that's why they are working from home today. No I don't have that option to work from home. There are people here who can do anything they like and there are those who can do nothing. I need my job so I suppose I have to risk my life.

Really? I doubt the person is contagious anymore...and the regular flu has/will likely kill more people this year than the H1N1 strand.

[ptownplayer]

Your lucky he took a week off...there's been people coming into my work with flu symptons even after corporate emails have gone out stating that if you show any symptoms that you should stay home.

[setell]

Well if that person has recovered and just has the cough then I am going to assume they didn’t get the deadly strain of the virus. My fiancée wasn’t formally diagnosed with H1N1 but I’m fairly certain he had it since he had all the symptoms on the list and he’s the type of person that never gets sick. Last time when he was sick he just had a runny nose and a slight fever that taking 1 dose of ibuprofen cured but this time he was out for a week. Oh, I live with him and I’m not sick considering I have a lot of close contact with him. So yes, I think you are really overreacting here! Just calm down and relax. Btw the mask will NOT protect you. If you really want to be safe get your co-worker to wear the mask so when he/she is coughing he/she isn’t spreading the virus. Just wash your hands more and practice good hygiene.

[Emancipated]

Thanks a lot guys. After reading your responses I feel better knowing that I am not over reacting. I tried wearing a mask, but received "unfriendly" gestures from other co-workers who think that I am over reacting. And, it does feel quite uncomfortable after a while.

When I was sick a few months ago, I went right into my boss' office after vomiting in the bathroom. I still smelled like vomit and was coughing, and he still looked a bit upset that I wanted to go home. He's the type of very healthy guy who never gets sick and probably thinks that folks who take sick days are just making up excuses.

Hopefully someone in the office with young children at home will react first before I do... or maybe that's why they are working from home today. No I don't have that option to work from home. There are people here who can do anything they like and there are those who can do nothing. I need my job so I suppose I have to risk my life.

Haha, what's wrong with society today.

Go home and get ready to sue your boss for wrongful dismissal.

EDIT: I know it seems like I'm making light of your situation and gaining a laugh at your expense but truthfully, I would not feel comfortable working under these circumstances. I'm also hypochondriac so I would probably will myself to an early grave if I had to work and be paranoid about germs flying around my orifices.