H1N1 Flu Alert

5.1.09 NSC & CDC Webinar


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.
    • Promote cough and sneeze hygiene.
    • Clean and disinfect work surfaces and office hot spots during the workday. Office hot spots may include shared office equipment such as faxes and microwaves, light switches, pens, time clocks, etc.
    • Encourage frequent hand-washing to prevent the spread of germs.

NSC Emergency Alert Network Activated

Sunday, an alert message was sent to NSC members regarding the H1N1 Flu outbreak through the NSC Emergency Alert Network. (The network is a NSC member benefit; learn more on our membership page). The NSC will issue updates in coordination with the CDC as new information is available.

Here are NSC and CDC resources that can assist employers:

Preventing Seasonal Influenza
http://downloads.nsc.org/pdf/Flu_Planning_Guide.pdf

Prescription for the Flu
This 2-hour program reflects the latest OSHA Guidance document (#3327-02N 2007) on preparing workplaces for an influenza pandemic. The course is intended for employees or volunteers of all organizations, community members, students - anyone who may be affected by a potential pandemic. http://shop.nsc.org/Search.aspx?k=Prescription+for+the+flu

Prescription for the Flu Participant Guide
This 28-page participant guide is used with the 2-hour Prescription for the Flu program. Sold in packs of 10.
http://shop.nsc.org/Prescription-for-the-Flu-Student-Workbooks-sold-in-packs-of-10-P1991.aspx

Flu Defense Kits
This kit contains medical-grade products to protect you, your employees and their families against all phases of a flu outbreak. The convenient one-person / five-day kit includes:
Face Masks (10)
Sanitizer Wipes (10)
SaniTyze® Hand Sanitizer (4oz.)
Gloves (2 pairs)
Tissue Pack (1)
Flu Defense Kits are sold in a box of 12 or a case of 48.
http://shop.nsc.org/Flu-Defense-Kit-Case-of-12-P2153.aspx

  • Employer and Employee Guidance

Considerations for Antiviral Drug Stockpiling by Employers in Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) Provides guidance to employers on antiviral stockpiling to help protect the health of their employees and to assure continuity of operations.

Proposed Guidance on Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks in Occupational Settings (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Interim Guidance on Environmental Management of Pandemic Influenza Virus CDC guidance on hygiene and use of disinfectants on surfaces frequently touched by hand (equipment, door handles, light switches, etc.).

Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers (PDF - 405 KB) (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic (PDF - 313 KB) (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Provides guidance and recommendations on infection control in the workplace, including information on engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment, such as respirators and surgical masks.