Health & Safety

Employers' Common Sense can Ease Flu
Charles S. Caulkins, Fisher & Phillips LLP

You can't open the paper, turn on the TV or peruse a web site without hearing some staggering statistic about the flu. In one report, 70 percent of the American population is suffering from the flu - or just recovered. In fact, Boston and Chicago had to take dramatic action with Boston declaring a state of public health emergency and some Chicago hospitals turning patients to other facilities.  

This kind of outbreak takes its toll on people and on business. How should employers handle it? 

Is Obesity an Impairment Under the Americans With Disabilities Act?
Myra Creighton, Fisher & Phillips LLP

Employers are in a quandary when it comes to determining if obesity is an impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act. When Congress passed the ADA in 1990, it defined a disability as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, a record of such an impairment or being regarded as having such an impairment. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 did not change the words in the definition of actual disability, but it indicated that the terms "substantially limited" and "major life activity" should be broadly interpreted.

Responding to Questions About School Security

We are all horrified and saddened by the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook School in Newton, CT last Friday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire community of Newton.  Although the investigation is far from complete, one emerging fact is that the quick response of trained staff to the emergency probably saved many lives.

School administrators are being asked by parents, trustees and the entire school community how they are protected from similar violence. I was asked to make a presentation on the risk of school violence at the SAIS conference (Southern Association of Independent Schools) this past October.  I enclose checklists and documents made by the three presenters, Bill Keslar (Building Solutions) and Suzanne Bogdan (Fisher & Phillips) and myself.  

We are all horrified and saddened by the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook School in Newton, CT last Friday. School administrators are being asked by parents, trustees and the entire school community how they are protected from similar violence. I was asked to make a presentation on the risk of school violence at the SAIS conference (Southern Association of independent Schools) this past October.

OVERNIGHT TRIP PROCEDURES

Sexual Abuse: How to Protect Your Students and Staff When They Use Social Media
Angelique Dale, Praesidium Inc.

We are pleased to interview Angelique Dale again. Ms. Dale is from Praesidium Inc., a national leader in abuse risk management, www.PraesidiumInc.com  

SOS: Why should schools be worried about establishing clear policies for using social media such as texting, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram?