It is important for employers to review insurance policies. The purpose of insurance is to provide protection for employers in case of accidents, fires and unforeseen circumstances. The employer should carefully review the entire policy to ensure the insurance covers the employer for disruption of business.
Ottawa has, at this time, refused to provide monetary compensation for businesses that have suffered as a result of SARS. The Ontario government may, however, address this issue.
SARS is a health risk of epidemic proportions. Lives could be lost if proper precautions are not taken. But there are no easy answers. When it comes to addressing issues with SARS, and employees' rights in the workplace, proceed with caution and compassion. Employers should not overreact, but should act with reason and evidence. Without either, SARS will infiltrate the workplace and ravage and destroy the healthy and safe work environment which employees have come to know.
…