H1N1 Influenza: Reduce the spread at your workplace

PR Log (Press Release) – Sep 03, 2009 – The H1N1 influenza virus (commonly referred to as “Swine Flu”) has received significant attention as a public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that it considers the overall severity of the pandemic to be moderate, meaning that most people  recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care. However, the agency is concerned about current patterns of serious cases and deaths occurring primarily among young people, including the previously healthy and those with pre-existing
medical conditions or pregnancy.

WHO raised the H1N1 alert to level six, its highest level, declaring the 2009 H1N1 flu virus has reached the global pandemic level. This announcement means that the disease is more widespread, not deadlier or more dangerous than before. Because H1N1 may be widespread, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Having plans in place to prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic is critical.

RJF Agencies is here to assist you. We are compiling a list of best practices and key considerations to be released to clients at the end of September. In the meantime, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers a valuable communication toolkit, Preparing for the Flu (Including 2009 H1N1 Flu), for businesses and employers. It includes templates and tools to share with employees.

The CDC suggests employers:
• Review their current pandemic flu plan or develop a new plan.
• Understand federal, state and local benefits and employment laws and the potential impact they may have on business operations and emergency plans.
• Review sick leave policies and consider making them flexible and consistent with public health recommendations.
• Try to provide flexible leave policies to allow workers to stay home to care for sick household members and for children, in the event that schools or childcare programs dismiss students.
• Clearly communicate sick leave, family leave and employee compensation policies to employees.
• Communicate with other businesses in their supply chain and share best practices to improve response efforts.
• Supply items such as tissues, soap, and alcohol-based hand cleaners to encourage healthful habits in the workplace.
• Encourage hand hygiene by providing education and easy access to running water and soap or alcohol-based cleaners.
• Advise all employees to stay home if they are sick for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever.

RJF Agencies, Inc. can help design and implement a plan to protect your employees from the potential spread of this disease. If you have any questions regarding this issue or need
assistance in developing a pandemic preparation plan, please contact your RJF Consultant or Sarah Morari, moraris@rjfagencies.com, 763-548-8596.