H1N109 (Swine Flu) Advice and Information for Employers Contents

							H1N1/09 (Swine Flu) Advice and Information for Employers

This document provides information a brief introduction to the actions employers will
need to consider with the current pandemic status..



Contents
      Review critical operations, roles, suppliers, etc
      Prepare Business Continuity Plan
      Communicate to employees
      Precautionary and preventable measures


Review of critical operations, roles, suppliers
For these operational aspects, decide:

      What the critical operations/roles/suppliers are where any absenteeism is
      likely to have an immediate operational impact;
      What level of absenteeism is likely to cause this operational impact in those
      areas;
      All other operations/roles/suppliers and evaluate at what point the critical
      level of absenteeism is for those operations;
      After how long would this absenteeism trigger significant operational impacts?


Prepare a Business Continuity Plan
Establish a plan that can be introduced in phases as situations develop with the
pandemic.

      Establish a committee/group to prepare and co-ordinate continuity plan
      Nominating deputies for absenteeism of key personnel;
      Plans for cross-training and alternative labour sources for key operations;
      Plans for opening and maintaining communication with employees;
      Establishing a team and dedicated communication channel to manage any
      increase in uptake of leave or welfare systems;
      Plans to ensure supply of essential goods and services
      Plans for any quarantine, screening and limiting exposure

More information on Business Continuity Plans can be found at the Forfás website.


Communicate to employees
Inform employees of the signs and symptoms of H1N1 2009 and what to do if they
develop any of the symptoms. Reinforce you existing requirements and policies for
sickness and absenteeism.

                                                                                    1
Precautionary and preventable measures
Advise employees on the general personal hygiene precautions they can take.
Namely:

      Always carry tissues
      Always cover your nose and mouth with clean tissues, when coughing or
      sneezing
      Always dispose of used tissues into a bin immediately
      Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
      Use alcohol based hand cleaners afterwards where available
      Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs

Look at common areas for employees, e.g. kitchens, canteens, toilets, etc, decide
whether they require more frequent cleaning. Normal domestic disinfectant cleaning
products/wipes are more than sufficient.



Further information
IBEC members should contact their Advisor for further information.

Useful links:
       Department of Health and Children
       Health Services Executive
       IBEC
       Medmark




                                                                                 2