Although the most recent pandemic threat from the H1N1 virus has yet to live up to its media image as a full-blown killing machine, the number of cases is still increasing, and people are dying. This flu could go on for quite a while yet, and there’s always the potential for things to suddenly get worse, or for another virus like the avian flu to develop somewhere down the road.

This means that you need to have a well-thought-out, ready-to-implement plan to deal with the impact of a pandemic in your workplace.

To help you get started, or assist you in improving on your current plan, today’s Advisor features an abbreviated version of a workplace pandemic planning checklist from pandemicflu.gov, the federal clearinghouse for all things pandemic.

Unlimited employee safety (and HR) training—one low cost. No setup, no software to install. Find out why the Software & Information Industry Association just voted the BLR® Employee Training Center the Best Workforce Training Solution.

Are You Prepared?

1.  Have you planned for the impact of a pandemic on your business? For example, have you:

• Identified a pandemic coordinator and/or team with defined roles and responsibilities for preparedness and response planning?
• Identified, by location and function, essential employees and other critical inputs (e.g., raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products, and logistics) required to maintain business operations during a pandemic?
• Trained and prepared ancillary workers (e.g., contractors, employees in other job titles/descriptions, retirees)?
• Established an emergency communications plan?

2.  Have you prepared for the impact of a pandemic on your employees and customers? For example, have you:

• Forecast and allowed for employee absences during a pandemic due to factors such as personal illness, family member illness, community containment measures and quarantines, school and/or business closures, and public transportation closures?
• Implemented guidelines to modify the frequency and type of face-to-face contact (e.g., hand shaking, seating in meetings, office layout, shared workstations) among employees and between employees and customers?
• Evaluated employee access to and availability of healthcare services during a pandemic and improved services as needed?

3.  Have you established policies to be implemented during a pandemic? For example, have you established:

• Policies for employee compensation and sick-leave absences unique to a pandemic (e.g., nonpunitive, liberal leave), including policies on when a previously ill person is no longer infectious and can return to work after illness?
• Policies for a flexible worksite (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts)?
• Policies for preventing influenza spread at the worksite (e.g., promoting respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and prompt exclusion of people with influenza symptoms)?
• Policies for employees who have been exposed to pandemic influenza, are suspected to be ill, or become ill at the worksite (e.g., infection control response, immediate mandatory sick leave)?
• Policies for restricting travel to affected geographic areas (consider both domestic and international sites), evacuating employees working in or near an affected area when an outbreak begins, and guidance for employees returning from affected areas?

No time to prepare or deliver training? With the BLR Employee Training Center, your employees can start taking essential training courses the same day you sign up. Workers (and supervisors) train at their convenience, 24/7. We track, and you save with this turnkey solution. Yes, it really can be that simple—take a no-obligation test drive and see.

4.  Have you allocated resources to protect your employees and customers during a pandemic? For example, have you:

• Provided sufficient and accessible infection control supplies (e.g., hand-hygiene products, tissues and receptacles for their disposal) in all business locations?
• Enhanced communications and information technology infrastructures as needed to support employee telecommuting and remote customer access?
• Ensured availability of medical consultation and advice for emergency response?

5.  Have you communicated to and educated your employees? For example, have you:

• Developed and disseminated programs and materials covering pandemic fundamentals (e.g., signs and symptoms of influenza, modes of transmission), personal and family protection and response strategies (e.g., hand hygiene, coughing/sneezing etiquette, contingency plans)?
• Anticipated employee fear, anxiety, rumors, and misinformation, and planned culturally and linguistically appropriate communications accordingly?
• Disseminated information to employees about your pandemic preparedness and response plan?
• Provided information for the at-home care of ill employees and family members?
• Identified community sources for timely and accurate pandemic information (domestic and international) and resources for obtaining countermeasures (e.g., vaccines and antivirals)?

6.  Have you coordinated with external organizations and community groups? For example, have you:

• Collaborated with insurers, health plans, and major local healthcare facilities to share your pandemic plans and understand their capabilities and plans?
• Collaborated with federal, state, and local public health agencies and/or emergency responders to participate in their planning processes, share your pandemic plans, and understand their capabilities and plans?
• Communicated with local and/or state public health agencies and/or emergency responders about the assets and/or services your business could contribute to the community?
• Shared best practices with other businesses in your communities, chambers of commerce, and associations to improve community response efforts?

Other Recent Articles on Safety Management
Answers to Your Questions about Confined Spaces
Safety and Your Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phones? Passengers? Which Is More Distracting?
What Happens After Something Happens?