Introduction
When we’re feeling sick, it can be tempting to just soldier on and go to work as normal. However, there are some illnesses that must be reported to your manager to prevent the spread of illness to your coworkers and to keep the workplace safe. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at which illnesses must be reported, why reporting is important, and how to communicate with your manager about your illness.
The Top 5 Illnesses You Must Report to Your Manager
While there are many illnesses that could be considered reportable, some are more common than others. Here are the top 5 illnesses that you should definitely report to your manager:
- Covid-19: With the pandemic still ongoing, it’s more important than ever to report any symptoms of Covid-19 to your manager. This is not only to prevent the spread of the disease to your coworkers, but also to prevent lockdowns and stay-at-home orders that could hurt your company.
- Flu: The flu can also spread quickly around the workplace, so it’s important to report any symptoms of flu to your manager so that they can make arrangements for sick leave and to prevent other employees from getting sick.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia can be serious, especially for vulnerable individuals, so it’s important to report any symptoms of pneumonia to your manager so that they can make appropriate arrangements and prevent the spread of the disease.
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can spread through food and water, so reporting it to your manager will not only help prevent the spread of the disease, but also ensure that proper sanitation and safety measures are taken in the workplace.
- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis can spread through airborne particles, so it’s important to report any symptoms of TB to your manager for the safety of everyone in the workplace.
Understanding Which Illnesses Must Be Reported to Your Manager
While the above list covers some of the most common illnesses that must be reported, there are many others that fall under this category. These typically include:
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Mumps
- COVID-19
- Flu
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Leprosy
- Polio
- Infectious tuberculosis
- Salmonella
- Meningitis
- Meningococcal infections
- Shigellosis
- Giardia
The reason for these illnesses being reportable is that they can be highly contagious and pose a significant risk to the health and safety of those around you. By reporting these illnesses to your manager, they can take steps to prevent the spread of the disease to others and ensure that you receive any necessary medical attention and time off work.
A Guide to Reporting Illnesses to Your Manager
When it comes to reporting illnesses to your manager, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you report the illness as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Be honest and upfront about your symptoms.
- Provide as much information as you can about any medical treatment you may require and the amount of time you’ll need off work.
- Understand your company’s policies around sick leave and make arrangements with your manager accordingly.
- Communicate regularly with your manager about your illness and any updates on your condition.
How to Know When You Should Report an Illness at Work
It’s not always easy to know when you should report an illness at work, but there are some signs and symptoms to look out for. These include:
- Feeling feverish or having a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Diarrhea or vomiting.
- Sore throat with fever or difficulty swallowing.
- Severe or persistent cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Headache accompanied by fever and a stiff neck.
- Unexplained rashes, itching, or redness of the skin.
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to report them to your manager as soon as possible and take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Keeping Your Workplace Safe: Why Reporting Certain Illnesses is Crucial
Reporting certain illnesses to your manager isn’t just important for your own health, but for the health and safety of your coworkers as well. By preventing the spread of highly contagious diseases, you’re ensuring that the workplace remains safe and productive for everyone.
Additionally, reporting illnesses can help your manager make arrangements for sick leave, medical treatment, and any necessary accommodations to help you recover from the illness and return to work as soon as possible.
The Importance of Informing Your Manager of Certain Illnesses
Reporting an illness to your manager isn’t just about complying with company policy—it’s also about ensuring that you get the help and support you need to recover. By informing your manager of your illness, you’re giving them the opportunity to make arrangements for sick leave, medical treatment, and any necessary accommodations to help you recover.
Additionally, informing your manager of your illness can help prevent the spread of the disease to your coworkers, and ensure that everyone in the workplace remains safe and healthy.
When to Call in Sick: A List of Reportable Illnesses
To recap, here is a comprehensive list of illnesses that must be reported to your manager:
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Mumps
- COVID-19
- Flu
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis A, B, or C
- Leprosy
- Polio
- Infectious tuberculosis
- Salmonella
- Meningitis
- Meningococcal infections
- Shigellosis
- Giardia
While this list may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that reporting illnesses is a simple and effective way to keep yourself and your coworkers safe and healthy.
Conclusion
Reporting illnesses to your manager is not only a company policy but also an important way to keep the workplace safe and healthy. By being aware of which illnesses must be reported and how to communicate with your manager about your illness, you can help prevent the spread of disease and ensure that everyone in the workplace has a safe and productive environment to work in.