Swine Flu Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace

Unless you have been hiding out with no access to TV, computer or radio for the last few days, you have most likely heard about the possibility of a swine flu pandemic.

Over the course of the last century, there have been several pandemics that resulted in numerous fatalities and much panic. There have also been many milder epidemics and a handful of false alarms.

Regardless of whether we are in a pandemic or simply aware of the possibility, as conscientious and intelligent business leaders and employees, as well as members of our local, state, national and global community, we have an obligation to ensure that we are mindful of our behaviors that can contribute negatively to a challenging situation.

In the workplace, where you spend the majority of your day, it is absolutely critical to do your part to help rather than hinder in any crisis.

Here are some simple rules to follow to ensure that you are helping in your workplace and in your world when communicable diseases are the issue:

• Don’t panic.
• Try to stay abreast of the situation.
• As a leader in your company, ensure that you have a solid plan in place based on guidelines that are provided by the CDC, the WHO and FEMA.
• As an employee, ask your employer if they have an emergency plan for communicable diseases, and then become aware of what to do.
• Share this emergency plan with your family to implement at home.
• If your company does not have such a plan, ask friends to share their emergency plan with you, and share your research with your employer.
• Stay informed by reading CDC’s web page, www.cdc.gov , in order to have the most accurate information on the status of the disease.
• Always have you and your family take the appropriate vaccinations each year to be proactive about a particular disease.
• Always practice good hygiene, regardless of the season or the potential of communicable diseases.

It is important to play a positive role in your workplace and in your world every day. The key to handling any emergency is knowledge and communication. When there is a crisis at work or in your local or global community, your calm, cool and collected preparedness can make all the difference.