Although there is currently no vaccine against H1N1 influenza, you can take security measures to help prevent the spread of germs both at work and at home.
These simple guidelines can better protect the safety and health of your employees and their families:
H1N1 Alert
In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Safety Council is reaching out to its members and other employers to help the current outbreak of H1N1 influenza. Businesses play a vital role.
To contain the possibility an epidemic among your employees:
Emergency review of your organization and communication plans. Plans should establish policies on:
1) Employee compensation and sick leave only for a pandemic, including policies on when a person already sick is no longer contagious and may return to work after an illness. Even during the most severe pandemics, most people recover completely. Refurbished workers have immunity to the disease and can return safely to work.
2) flexible workplaces (telecommuting) and flexible working hours.
3) Employees who have been exposed to influenza, are suspected of being sick or become ill at the worksite.
4) washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Have an alcohol based hand soap easily accessible.
5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
6) Avoid close contact with other people who are sick.
7) Clean and disinfect surfaces Working together and spots on hot desk (faxes ie, microwaves, light switches, pens and clocks time) all day.
emergency review of your organization and communication plans. Know what procedures to follow if someone comes down with the flu.
9) If you feel sick (fever with cough or sore throat) inform your employer and provider of health care. Stay home if you are ill for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been without symptoms for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to avoid infecting others and spread the virus further.
10) Follow the local boards of health on school closures, avoid crowds and other social distancing measures based on the disease in specific communities.
11) If you have not developed a contingency plan Yet family, consider developing one now, as a precaution. This should include storage of food reserves booster, medicines, masks and other essential supplies.
About the Author:
Margarette A Cather
Arizona Chapter National Safety Council
Website URL : http://www.acnsc.org
E-Mail :- mcather@acnsc.org
Article URL : http://www.acnsc.org/latest/swine-influenza-a-h1n1-pandemic-flu-influenza.html
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Swine Influenza A, H1N1, Pandemic Flu, Influenza
