Pandemics

“IS YOUR BUSINESS READY FOR A SWINE FLU PANDEMIC”. Seminar by Ford & Harrison, September 29, 2009.

This was a briefing on steps to take as a precaution for swine flu or any type of emergency.

One of the key thoughts I learned was that the employer (or anyone in any official capacity as supervisor etc.) etc. should ever give a reason why someone is out of the office due to illness. Since the employer also has an obligation to advise personnel about possible risks in the workplace, this can pose a dilemma.

Also, I learned that a “Pandemic” means only that it is global in nature, not whether or not it is serious.

Since Workplaces are a “point of spread” for flu etc., precautions are important.

Some possible strategies mentioned to contain the flu are:

-Isolation
-Quarantine
-Social Distancing
-Closing places of assembly
-“Snow days”/week
-Furloughs
-Changes in movement patterns.


Some Workplace Mitigation Measures also are:

-Sick employees stay home
-Employees with sick family member staty home
-Sent symptomatic employees home
-Encourage respiratory etiquette
-Encourage good hand hygiene
-Increased cleaning of common areas
-Encourage vaccinations and calls to Dr. as soon as possible if have flue symptoms

WHAT SHOULD WE (COMPANY, CITY) BE DOING?

1. Have a Business Continuity Plan (we are developing one)

2. Identify critical functions and whom is needed to support them

3. Assess ability to support telework/staggered shifts.

4. Create HR policies to be used during a pandemic

5. Evaluate your ability to assess your facility during a pandemic l

6. Consider alternative work facilities

7. Identify critical suppliers and their readiness to support during a pandemic.

8. Identify key government partner

9. Have a succession and crisis response plan

10. Educate employees.


Create “Pandemic Team” to act to establish an (1): Employee and (2) develop protocol for warning employees

ESSEN ITAL:

Determine Essential employees, what is critical for the business to operate, critical partners and suppliers and essential technology needs.

COMPANY POLICIES AFFECTED

-Absenteeism

-Sick leave

-Wage payment

-Medical Leave

-Benefits

-Bereavement

Educate employees on the signs of infection, how transmitted, sanitation and city policy.

POTENTIAL LEGAL ISSUES

-ADA,

TOSHA, (workplace free from “recognized hazards”O)O

FLSA-Working from home issues

FAQ’s

-While personnel should be advised of possible swine flu etc., actual employee is not to be identified.

-Employer can ask questions to determine if employee is able to work or should work due to possibility of infection.

Helpful resources:

-www.cdc.gov; www.who.int/en/; www.health.state.tn/usH1N1.htm; www.osha.gov/dsg/topices/pandemicflu/index.html

www.flu.gov