Businesses large and small should prepare for swine flu
by April 29, 2009 9:37 am 66 views
Editor’s note: Michelle Stockman works with Little Rock-based Arkansas Capital Corp. to promote entrepreneurship development around the state. Stockman earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University-Chicago in communications and fine arts, and earned a master’s in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University. Her thoughts on business success appear each week on The City Wire.
As you have undoubtedly already heard, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States, Canada and in Mexico – which is the likely epicenter of the outbreak. As of this morning (April 29), several other human cases are pending identification in countries outside of North America.
James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA) put together the following information for businesses and their employees. Many of you have seen these suggestions already, but remember your business needs action plans in case this pandemic grows as large as some are predicting. Additionally, the steps for businesses to consider are also excellent plans for any natural or human disaster every business should be prepared to handle.
For Individuals:
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, The Centers for Disease Control recommends you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Keep on hand a hygiene kit that includes the following items: Anti-Microbial Alcohol Wipes (in addition to antiseptic wipes in First Aid Kit); Non-Latex Gloves, in addition to those in First Aid Kit (readily available at paint supply and hardware stores); Soap less/Waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Face masks. (available at drug or hardware stores)
For Business:
In the event of pandemic influenza, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety as well as limiting the negative impact to the economy and society. Planning for influenza outbreak is critical and will help businesses effectively respond to and rapidly recover from the impacts of influenza pandemic.
Some key considerations include:
• Monitor government and credible sources to determine influenza /pandemic alert level or threat.
• Develop or review delegations of authority for emergency operations.
• Develop or review orders of succession for emergency operations.
• Develop or review Business Continuity Plan management strategies.
• Inform & update employees.
• Establish and monitor key relationships with local/state health and emergency management agencies.
Perform ongoing situation status and analysis using the following sources:
Broad federal government sponsored Web site: www.pandemicflu.gov
Federal Emergency Management Administration
Other areas in which to act:
Human Resources
• Establish personnel policies associated with alternative working conditions or telecommuting.
• Review travel policies and implement as necessary travel restrictions or prohibitions.
• Review leave polices.
• Consider visitor interaction/restrictions.
• Develop employee health monitoring procedures/program.
Business Services & Operations
• Identify critical functions, staff, training needs, equipment, services, data, and supplies.
• Develop contingencies, capacity, and procedures.
• Survey partners & customers for special needs, essential support or services.
• Procure and distribute supplies & equipment.
• Identify and/or activate alternative workplace infrastructure.
• Establish facility health monitoring as appropriate or applicable.
• Stockpile facility emergency supplies.
• Implement facility cleanliness procedures/policies.
• Determine and establish equipment, supplies and data for essential business functions.
• Implement social distancing procedures/polices as appropriate/applicable.
Stockman can be reached at [email protected]