Information sharing in health emergencies at work

Summary

This is short guidance from the Office of the Data Protection Authority (Guernsey) aimed at employers, explaining how they can lawfully share information about an employee experiencing a health emergency at work. It confirms that the Bailiwick's data protection law permits sharing personal information in urgent or emergency situations, including where necessary to prevent loss of life or serious physical, emotional or mental harm.

• Purpose: Helps employers understand how to share information about an employee's health emergency while complying with data protection principles under The Data Protection (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2017.
• Legal basis for sharing: The Law allows sharing of personal information in an urgent or emergency situation, including to help prevent loss of life or serious physical, emotional or mental harm.
• Recommended practice: Employers are advised to plan ahead so they can make timely and well informed decisions if a health emergency arises, and the guidance offers advice on thinking through such sharing in advance.

The guidance is advisory in nature and does not impose new legal obligations beyond those already set out in the 2017 Law; it is intended to support employers' compliance and preparedness.

Applies to

employers