Protect Yourself and Those Around You
While there is currently no vaccine against H1N1 flu, you can take safety measures to help prevent the spread of germs both in the workplace and at home.
These simple guidelines can better protect the safety and health of your employees and their families:
H1N1 Flu Alert
In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Safety Council is reaching out to its members and other employers for help in the current H1N1 Flu outbreak. Businesses play a vital role.
To contain the possibility of an outbreak among your employees:
Review your organization’s emergency and communication plans. Plans should establish policies about:
· Employee compensation and sick-leave absences unique to a pandemic, including policies on when a previously ill person is no longer infectious and can return to work after illness. Even during the most severe pandemics, most people completely recover. Recovered workers will have immunity to the illness and can safely return to work.
· Flexible worksites (telecommuting) and flexible work hours.
· Employees who have been exposed to the flu, are suspected of being ill or become ill at the worksite.
· Frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Have an alcohol-based hand cleaner readily available.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
· Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
· Clean and disinfect shared work surfaces and office hot spots (i.e. faxes, microwaves, light switches, pens and time clocks) throughout the day.
· Review your organization’s emergency and communication plans. Know what procedures to take if someone comes down with the flu.
· If you feel sick, (fever with either cough or sore throat) inform your employer and healthcare provider. Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
· Follow local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures based on illness in specific communities.
· If you haven’t developed a family emergency plan yet, consider developing one now as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of extra food, medicines, facemasks and other essential supplies.
Here are NSC and CDC resources that can assist employers:
CDC Resources
FAQs on H1N1 Flu
Checklist for large businesses that identifies important, specific activities they can do now to prepare for an influenza pandemic
Social media resources on H1N1 Flu
Source: National Safety Council
