Decision Making in Disaster Situations Emphasizes Manager Vulnerability

Telework Tools

As the annual hurricane season is underway and wildfires continue to spread across the West Coast, OPM released a memo reminding federal agencies and employees about the wide range of human resources flexibilities and procedures available to assist federal employees affected by severe weather and emergency situations.

OPM encouraged agencies to promote and incorporate telework into their emergency planning, as it plays a significant role during emergency situations by enabling federal employees to continue working and allowing for continuity of operations throughout the government. Federal managers will be responsible for not only carrying out agency protocols when disaster strikes, but for the planning needed to carry out these protocols.

Manager Mandates

If employees cannot safely travel to or from work or perform work at their normal worksite due to severe weather or another emergency situation, an agency may allow employees to telework. If employees are not prepared to telework, the agency may need to grant weather and safety leave.

It is important that federal managers are fully aware of their agency’s disaster management policies so they can best protect their employees, as well as prevent a pause in office operations, in the event of an emergency. If managers make decisions that do not follow agency protocol and end up putting employees in danger or stalls agency processes, they may be subject to allegations of wrongdoing.

Lingering Liability

Insufficient preparation by managers may result in employee stress and confusion, as well as unnecessary leave and an interruption in agency workflow. If managers don’t take advantage of telework options and require employees to come into the office during an active or approaching disaster, employees may find themselves in dangerous travel conditions or even stuck in a federal facility.

Even if managers are well informed about agency directives, their decisions may be subject to increased scrutiny, leaving them vulnerable to investigations, disciplinary action, and even lawsuits. As a federal manager, you need to have counsel that has specific federal experience representing you and your professional vulnerabilities regarding civil lawsuits and workplace allegations. As the professional liability insurance (PLI) provider endorsed by the leading federal employee associations, FEDS Protection can help.

FEDS Protection for Managers

FEDS Protection offers federal employee PLI policies with $1 million, $2 million, or $3 million in civil liability protection for attorney’s fees and indemnity costs in the event you are sued in your civil capacity.  The FEDS policy also includes $200,000 of legal representation coverage per incident for administrative actions and $100,000 of coverage for criminal defense costs.  Annual premiums for FEDS Protection PLI start at just $290.  Additionally, federal managers and law enforcement officers are eligible for a reimbursement of up to 50% the cost of their PLI policy through their agency. To learn more about how a FEDS PLI policy can protect you and your career, visit www.fedsprotection.com or call (866) 955-FEDS, M-F 8:30am-6pm.

*This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.