Pandemic preparedness: key questions your chief executive will be asking

For those organizations that have effective pandemic response plans in place, the raising by WHO of the pandemic alert level is merely a trigger for the action that now needs to be taken. For those less prepared it is an opportunity to reappraise the situation. To anticipate the questions that your chief executive will be asking, Malcolm Cornish, FBCI, FCA, has drawn up a list of questions to which you would be well advised to have some clear answers.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

INCREASED LEVELS OF STAFF ABSENTEEISM

What are the likely impacts of increases in absenteeism up to 50% above normal levels?

Remember that is not just staff and contractors being away for up to two weeks sick that will cause problems. Fear, school closures (in Mexico schools nationwide are to remain closed until 6 May) and the need to look after sick relatives may well prevent your workforce from coming to work.

What if anything could be done to cope with these increased levels of absenteeism?

It is likely that you already have some measures in place which could, if adapted, be helpful.

How, if at all could the impacts be managed or mitigated?

SUPPLY DIFFICULTIES

Does your business rely on suppliers that might be badly affected by a pandemic?

Suppliers who rely on people or transport networks (postal network and logistics companies) may not be able to maintain your required levels of supply during a pandemic.

THE DIRECT IMPACT OF A PANDEMIC

Would a pandemic have a direct impact on your products or services?

A pandemic might decrease the demand for your products or services but equally might increase demand to unsustainable levels.

If you run sporting events, the likelihood is that the government at some stage of the pandemic will ban public meetings and major sporting events will have to be cancelled (in Mexico City football matches have been cancelled during the current outbreak). There is little you can do about this (unless the government allows events to go ahead under certain conditions) so you least need to make sure that your insurance cover will apply during a pandemic.

PROVIDING A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

What education and guidance should you provide to your workforce?

If your workforce understands the issues and what constitutes good hygiene practices, as well as helping them personally, it should also help to reduce the speed with which the disease spreads and thereby reduce the peaks of absenteeism.

Should you provide your workforce with face masks and, if so, how should they be used?

Management and the entire workforce needs to understand clearly the role of face masks to make sure that their inappropriate use does not make the situation worse and doesn’t waste large sums of money.

What would you need to do differently to fulfil your obligation to provide a safe working environment for your workforce during a pandemic?

Consider cleaning regimes and the provision of additional facilities

Should you provide your workforce with infection control supplies and, if so, what would be appropriate?

In an effort to slow down the spread of pandemic flu amongst the workforce and to promote awareness of the importance of good hygiene practices, many organizations are purchasing ‘hygiene packs’ containing ‘infection control supplies’ that they will be able to distribute in the lead up to a pandemic.

A typical hygiene pack might consist of:
- 2-ply white tissues
- Tie-handle freezer bags (for disposal of tissues, masks (where applicable) and other contaminated small items
- Alcohol hand-rub/cleanser.

The author: Malcolm Cornish, FBCI FCA. If you require any assistance with preparing your organization for an influenza pandemic or any other aspect of business continuity management contact Malcolm.Cornish@continuity2.com
Telephone: +44 7810 555521.

•Date: 30th April 2009• Region:UK/World •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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