Is your business prepared for
Bird Flu? What can you do?
Influenza pandemics have occurred for centuries, three
times in the 20th century alone (1918, 1957, and
1968). Another pandemic is highly likely, if not
inevitable. A flu pandemic would have a serious impact
locally and globally. How serious? A study by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates
that within the United States:
·89,000 to 207,000 deaths
·314,000 to 734,000 hospitalizations
·18 to 42 million outpatient visits
·20 to 47 million additional illnesses
·the economic impact would be $71.3 to $166.5 billion,
not including disruptions to commerce and society
 Bird Flu, which is the same as Avian Flu, is a disease
that occurs only in birds at
this time. The fear, according
to the experts, is that the virus
that causes Bird Flu will
mutate or change so that it
can easily infect humans. If
that were to happen, then the
Bird Flu virus could become
the germ that causes a
worldwide outbreak or
pandemic. This is why
everyone should prepare.
One of the primary means of
limiting the spread of disease
will come by “social
distancing” or a plan
implemented by government and health officials that
purposely reduces contact between people. All large
gatherings would be canceled; employers would be
asked to have only essential positions report to work or
work from home; everyone would be asked to stay
home as much as
possible.
 In the event of pandemic
influenza, businesses
will play a key role in
protecting employees’
health and safety as well
as limiting the negative
impact to the economy
and society. Planning for
pandemic influenza is critical. The Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers |
 for Disease Control (CDC)
developed the following
checklist that identifies
important, specific
activities businesses
can do now to prepare.
Many of these steps will
also help in other
emergencies.
1. Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your
business.
Identify a pandemic coordinator or team; identify
essential positions/employees; determine the potential
financial impact; establish an emergency
communications plan.
2. Plan for the impact of a pandemic on your
employees and customers.
Forecast and allow for employee absences; devise a
plan to reduce face-to-face contact within your office;
encourage and track annual influenza vaccines.
3. Establish policies to be implemented during a
pandemic.
Policies should include employee compensation and
sick-leave absences; flexible worksites; flexible work
hours; restricted travel.
4. Allocate resources to protect your employees
and customers during a pandemic.
Provide sufficient infection control supplies such as
hand sanitizers and tissues; provide information
technology to allow for telecommuting and remote
customer access.
5. Communicate to and educate your employees.
Share educational materials; develop hotlines or
websites; identify community sources for timely and
accurate pandemic information.
6. Coordinate with external organizations and help
your community.
Collaborate with insurers and health plan providers;
work with local and/or state public health agencies to
offer your assets and/or services; share best practices
with other business in your community.
A detailed business plan checklist is available at
www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/businesschecklist.
Experts believe that a worldwide outbreak will happen
someday, although no one knows exactly when. What
is certain is that our everyday lives will drastically
change during a pandemic. Prepare your home and
your business now. |
