Getting Ready For H1N1 And Influenza Season -
What Employers Need To Know
In 2009, H1N1 “swine flu” swept across many parts of the world, leaving researchers with the insurmountable task of identifying this new influenza strain and developing a vaccine in mass quantities. According to the Center For Disease Control (CDC), from August 30, 2009, to April 3, 2010, the CDC tracked cases in the United States that hospitalized over 41,821 individuals, and resulted in 2,117 deaths. It is impossible to predict this year’s H1N1 and influenza impact on the United States or even the world; however, lessons learned from last year should make employers take a closer look at preventative measures and develop business continuity plans.
Experts are forecasting that approximately 5% to 20% of the U.S. population will contract some form of the influenza this season. With symptoms ranging from high fever to extreme fatigue, the “Flu” will cause employees to miss approximately 1.3 days of work, resulting in a production loss valued at about $575 to $1000 per employee.
Employers play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety, as well as limiting the negative impact of flu outbreaks on the individual, the community, and your bottom line. Employers who have developed a flu pandemic plan should review and revise their plans to take into account the extent and severity of disease in their community.
One great resource is a document published by the CDC that provides guidance for business and employers to respond to the up and coming flu season. Employers who incorporate an on-site inoculation program will strengthen the success of their overall preventative planning.
Establish a flexible flu pandemic plan that involves input from staff members.
Conduct a focused discussion or exercise using your plan to uncover gaps before the flu season starts.
Have an understanding of your organization’s normal seasonal absenteeism rates and know how to monitor your personnel for any unusual increases in absenteeism throughout the flu season.
Engage state and local health departments to confirm channels of communication and methods for dissemination of local outbreak information.
Allow sick employees to stay home without fear of losing their jobs.
Develop other flexible leave policies to allow employees to stay home to care for sick family members (if schools dismiss students or early childhood programs close).
Share your flu pandemic plan with employees, and explain what human resources policies, workplace and leave flexibilities, and pay and benefits will be available to them.
Share best practices with other businesses in your communities (especially those in your supply chain), chambers of commerce, and associations to improve community response efforts.
Add a “widget” or “button” to your company Web page or employee Web sites so employees can access the latest information on the flu.
By offering your employees an inoculation against influenza, you will be helping to maintain your staff's health while greatly reducing workplace absenteeism by 18% to 45%. Yearly flu inoculations should begin in September and continue throughout the first of the new-year. EBI’s comprehensive on-site Wellness Programs can be tailored to meet any company’s needs, budget and size, and can be scheduled directly at your workplace. The success rate of on-site inoculation program is much higher than offering a vaccination voucher or providing a location for employees to visit outside of work.
Reduce down-time and overall work performance with an on-site plan.
EBI will coordinate one location or multiple location programs depending on employer needs.
Reduced cost based on volume programs.
Conveniently scheduled to meet your workplace schedule needs.
Professionally trained staff to administer the program.
Single-dose vaccine will cover both seasonal and H1N1 strains.
Pre-ordered quantities insure doses in limited supply and guarantees pre-season pricing.
Consolidated billing for ease of administration.
By following above guidelines and taking the proper steps to minimize the spread of influenza through an on-site inoculation program, EBI can help keep your staff and your business healthy and productive through the 2010-2011 influenza season.
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All information contained herein is provided by Employment Background Investigations solely for the convenience of its clients. EBI is not providing legal advice or counsel and nothing provided on this document should be deemed as legal guidance or advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel to determine their legal responsibilities or if they have questions on any information provided by EBI.