Seventy percent of respondents said they believed pandemic ‘flu was likely to hit North America, but only 25 percent responded ‘yes’ when asked, ‘Has your company engaged in building a plan in the event of an actual outbreak of pandemic flu?’

Respondents were given a list of possible actions that employers could take to minimize workplace risk associated with a pandemic flu outbreak and were asked to give their opinion as either in ‘favor’ or ‘opposed.’ Posting respiratory etiquette and hand-washing posters or stickers garnered the most positive responses, with 93 percent of respondents saying they favored posting these in common areas. This was followed by:

* Maintaining lists of health-related websites, telephone numbers and other resources for senior leadership or building management personnel (89 percent).

* Training workers in the proper use of protective equipment (87 percent).

* Establishing an emergency plan or kit to identify and treat pandemic ‘flu symptoms (86 percent).

* Establishing a workplace business continuity plan (85 percent).

* Storing protective masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and other materials in bulk (79 percent).

* Installing a verbal reminder system to encourage hand washing (75 percent).

* Encouraging people to work from home when possible (49 percent).

The US-only, online survey received 379 responses.

http://www.kc-safety.com/avianflu

•Date: 27th Sept 2006• Region: US •Type: Article •Topic: Pandemic planning
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