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Subject: Out Sick” What employers can do to keep employees safe, educated and motivated during the swine flu outbreak.
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MaryUser is Offline

Posts:2
05/03/2009 8:14 PM  
News stories about the recent cases of the swine flu in the United States are spreading like wild fire, causing fear in work places across the country. On April 29, 2009, in response to an intensifying outbreak caused by this new strain of influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states, A Phase 5 alert is a “strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.”

Here are some suggestions to help reduce transmission and illness severity, and keep productivity and morale high during this time.

It is important to remember while employers should educate themselves and their employees and take measures to prevent the swine flu, the (CDC) reminds us not to panic. It is important to stress to staff that you want to keep employees safe and then you need to work to keep distractions to a minimum. During crisis, the result is often decreased productivity as staff members try to piece together information on their own or remain worried about themselves or loved ones. The key is to keep everyone informed.

Here are some tips for keeping staff informed and safe.

1. Distribute factual information on the swine flu. This should include what it is, how it is spread, how it is treated, symptoms, and dispel any myths such as “getting sick from eating pork”. You can get all available information by visiting the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. Make sure the website is also posted for staff to access and get up-to-date information.

2. Distribute correspondence or hold a brief meeting showing the management’s concern for all staff.

3. Explain the severity of this flu. Tell them, like seasonal flu, swine flu can vary in intensity from mild to severe and that like any flu, swine flu can be serious. Remind them young children, the elderly and the infirm are at higher risk for contracting the virus.

4. Explain and post information on PREVENTION – This is important. Make sure they have all of the following information:


There is no vaccine currently available to protect against swine flu. There are every-day actions that can be taken to help prevent the spread of these germs.

• Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds.
• Use antibacterial gels to clean your hands frequently.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue and throw the tissue away in a waste basket.
• Wash your hands after you sneeze or cough.
• Wash your hands after touching common objects in your environment, such as doorknobs, desks and keypads.
• Do not touch your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid being around people that are sick.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Contact your doctor if you suspect you have the swine flu.
• Contact your doctor if you have been in contact with a person that has the swine flu.
• Keep yourself healthy. Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and get enough sleep.

There is a tremendous amount of responsibility that comes with being an employer in these times. Keeping staff informed and working together will pay back dividends when facing increased call-outs and decreased productivity due to the distraction in the office or reduced staff compliment due to illness. Here are some extra things businesses can do to help employees adhere to the precautions and keep them safe and well.

• Make sure washrooms have plenty of paper towels and soap.
• Keep extra paper towels and anti-bacterial soap in the office.
• Keep extra tissues in the office
• Make sure waste baskets are easily accessible for all.
• Encourage employees to STAY HOME and call their doctor immediately if they think they or a loved one is sick.
• Keep water and healthy snacks for staff.
• Don’t burn the midnight oil. Staying rested helps to stave off this virus so encourage staff to work reasonable hours.
• If there is a television in the office, allow employees to watch news updates during breaks.

Let us know what you are doing to keep staff safe and stress-free during the swine flu outbreak.
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Forums > Sageview Consulting Forums > Human Resources Community > Out Sick” What employers can do to keep employees safe, educated and motivated during the swine flu outbreak.



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