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Pandemic Planning & Resources

The World Health Organization has, as of June 11, 2009, declared an influenza pandemic brought about by the H1N1 virus.

This health and safety resource page is intended to provide you with links, resources and information that can permit your business to develop and source up-to-date, current information on Pandemic planning and on the current knowledge and thinking around prevention and workplace health & safety.

As an employer what should you do

• Assess the workplace to see which workers are at particular risk of illness (for example, employees who have contact with the public or who have small children are at higher risk)
• Decide what will be done if a quarantined employee insists on coming to work
• Monitor employee health. Do not panic if an employee shows some symptoms
• Keep a first aid kit on hand (including a non-mercury thermometer). Provide obvious hand sanitizer stations, tissues, gloves, masks.
• Make sure employees understand that they have the right to refuse work if they think working conditions are unsafe
• Establish policy for staff travelling to an infected area
• Establish telecommuting procedures so that employees can work at home in the event of a pandemic
• Let employees stay at home without using vacation time
• Decide which jobs and services are essential to keep the business running
• Delegate leadership responsibilities
• Cross-train employees to do different jobs
• Identify important business contacts for each employee so that someone else can take over in case of illness
• Plan for the fact that resources and supplies needed to do business may be limited during a pandemic (including essential services such as water and power)
• Have online services available for clients

You should also:

• Keep staff informed about the disease and procedures to follow
• Make sure everyone understands the circumstances under which quarantine is necessary and the length of the quarantine
• Provide paid leave for employees under quarantine
• Ensure that employees have access to medical services, if necessary
• Let employees know how their health benefits apply to the situation, and the requirements for extended leave due to illness
• Arrange for extra cleaning of the workplace
• Make sure employee health information is kept confidential
• Provide employees with masks, gloves, safety glasses, respirators, or other protective equipment if recommended by public health authorities. Face masks should be on hand for reception staff
• Keep informed about any legislative or policy changes that may affect workers or businesses

Symptoms

People infected with the virus initially suffer flu-like symptoms that include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath or loss of appetite. Some people also report runny nose or nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (Source: World Health Organization)

Prevention

Prevent influenza with frequent hand washing (fightflu.ca, 2009)

Hands spread an estimated 80 percent of common infectious diseases like the common cold and flu. Hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.  Good hand wash technique is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among both, children and adults.

Wash your hands BEFORE - handling or eating foods or feeding others, brushing or flossing teeth, inserting or removing contact lenses, after treating wounds or cuts

Wash your hands AFTER - having any contact with a person who has influenza or his/her immediate environment, going to the toilet or changing a diaper, blowing your nose or wiping a child's nose, coughing or sneezing, handling garbage, when returning home from a busy public place, such as your workplace or a mall.

Children should also wash their hands after playing with toys shared with other children.

For more information on hand washing techniques and other preventive measures please visit: http://www.fightflu.ca/prot-eng.html

Click here for a poster on hand washing techniques

Important Links:

The federal government has set up a hotline and web sites for information about the swine flu virus. The number is 1-800-454-8302, and the web sites are www.fightflu.ca, www.voyage.ca and www.phac.gc.ca

Ministry of Labour: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/

Tips for Preventing Influenza: http://www.fightflu.ca/prot-eng.html

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/en/

World Health Organization Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Guideline: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/pipguidance2009/en/index.html

Centre for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

Peel Region Public Health:

http://www.peelregion.ca/health/topics/commdisease/flu-swine.htm

Conference Board Report:

http://sso.conferenceboard.ca

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Articles & Resource Links:

Many High Risk People Skip Flu Vaccination: StatsCan

Prepare, Don't Panic: Pandemic Planning for the Workplace

National Restaurant Association Continuity Planning Basics (.pdf)

CRFA Flu Pandemic Preparedness Planning

RCC Pandemic Planning Checklist for Retailers (.pdf)   

WSIB Influenza Pandemic FAQ   

Avian Flu FAQ

Government Agencies

Ontario Ministry of Health Pandemic Site

Ministry of Labour Provincial Emergencies & Advisories

Health Canada Pandemic Influenza Portal
Public Health Agency of Canada FluWatch

Government of Canada Pandemic Information Site 

US Government Influenza Pandemic Site

World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Update Site

WHO Global Influenza Preparedness Plan

World Health Organization Situation Updates for Avian Influenza

OSSA Products & Services

Products:

Respiratory & Body Fluids Hazards
- A comprehensive guide which provides a detailed discussion on the hazards of respiratory and body fluid hazards in the workplace.

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