Privacy and Security Issues with Contact Tracing and Social Distancing at Work

Why Should You Attend:

In order to isolate and contain the spread of COVID-19, one critical component of an effective workplace safety plan is for employers to be able to monitor social distancing practices and to notify employees that they need to self-quarantine if they have come in close contact with an individual in the workplace who has symptoms of, or tested positive for, COVID-19.

Also known as “contact tracing”, the faster that affected individuals can be notified and isolated the slower the virus will spread. Technology developers have stepped up to automate the contact tracing process and there has been a proliferation of mobile tracking tools, including phone apps that monitor social distancing practices and conduct contact tracing in near real-time that can be used in the workplace. Yet, these tools raise an intricate web of considerations under applicable privacy, security and other consumer protection rules and regulations.

Everyone is planning to reopen, now that the vaccine is becoming available. At the same time, we know that the vaccine will not eliminate the spread of the coronavirus and we need to continue our vigilance with the wearing of masks, social distancing and contact tracing in the workplace.

One of the options available to us is the use of mobile tracking tools and apps to track compliance with our policies and procedures and, in the worst case, the spread of the Coronavirus. As with any technology used for surveillance, their use will likely shape how workplace surveillance technology will be used in the future.

Choosing the right technology, vetting the apps and the vendors you choose, reviewing the service agreements and negotiating the privacy and security provisions to ensure that personal information is protected and used appropriately and that the appropriate cyber breach protocols are in place are among the challenges facing us.

Since everything about the Coronavirus is new, we need to develop a communications plan for employees in order to address their concerns about utilizing these tools and apps, educate them on how their data is protected and cybersecurity best practices, and obtain any required consents.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• Are employers required to use HIPAA-compliant mobile tracking tools in the workplace for social distancing and contact tracing purposes?
• How can my organization implement mobile tracking tools without collecting medical information or PHI?
• How could a non-HIPAA compliant mobile tracking tool collect PHI (such as COVID-19 test results)?
• How can my organization vet mobile tracking tools?
• How can individuals protect their personal data when using mobile tracking tools for social distancing and contact tracing purposes?
• What is the best way for an employer to approach contact tracing in the workplace?
• Are state government apps that have been developed for contact tracing purposes required to be HIPAA-compliant?
• If employees work remotely, is contact tracing necessary?

Who Will Benefit:

• Society for Human Resource Management
• SHRM local chapters
• Association for Talent Development.
• College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.
• HR People + Strategy.
• Human Capital Institute.
• International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Every industry and every employer is affected, in some way, with their plans to reopen. It is always better to be pro-active rather than reactive and human resource professionals are wise prepare.

Greg Chartier
Principal, HRinfo4u

Dr. Chartier is the Principal of HRinfo4u, a human resource consulting firm and a well-known educator and speaker. As a consultant, he works with organizations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their human resource function. He has worked extensively in designing, developing and implementing human resource program, procedures and systems for smaller and mid-size firms up and down the Hudson Valley.

Greg is a thought provoking professional speaker and his wisdom and insights into management and leadership make him an electrifying speaker and seminar leader. His seminars are customized to reinforce company mission, vision, values and culture and the content is practical for team leaders, managers, supervisors and executives alike.

Dr. Chartier has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, an MBA in Finance and a PhD in Human Resources. He is a National Member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and is certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) as well as a Senior Certified Professional (SCP) by SHRM.

He served on the Board of the local SHRM Chapter, the Westchester Human Resources Management Association (WHRMA), as the Treasurer for nine years. In addition, Greg served on the Board of the Business Council of Westchester in a variety of capacities and continues his service as the Chair of the Human Resources Council. Dr. Chartier also serves on the Board of the Child Care Council of Westchester.

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