Employee Illness Log

An employee illness log is a confidential record used by a food business to document employee illness reports and the food-safety actions taken in response. It helps managers apply illness-reporting, work restriction and exclusion procedures consistently and provides a record if public-health follow-up is required.

What an illness log may record

• Date and time the employee reported the illness.
• The symptoms or relevant information required by the food-safety procedure.
• Whether the employee was excluded, restricted or reassigned.
• Date and conditions for return to work, including any required clearance.
• Manager initials and any public-health direction or follow-up action.

Privacy and record handling

Illness information is personal and should be collected only to the extent necessary for food-safety management. Keep the log secure, restrict access to authorized personnel and follow applicable privacy and employment requirements. Do not record unnecessary medical details or share employee health information with other staff.

Why the log matters

Consistent records help managers identify patterns, demonstrate that employee illness procedures were followed and support public-health investigations when required. A log does not replace the obligation to exclude or restrict an employee when the applicable rules require it.

Chef’s tip: Train supervisors to respond consistently and discreetly when an employee reports symptoms. Make sure staff know whom to contact before starting or continuing food-handling duties.

Key distinction: An employee illness log documents food-safety decisions and follow-up; it is not a general personnel file or a substitute for a confidential HR record.