Businesses Encouraged to Prepare for Flu Season
Since we last reported on the swine flu (now better known as H1N1) threat in the workplace in our May 2009 Newsletter, there has been increased emphasis from the federal government for businesses to be prepared for widespread seasonal and H1N1 flu. All sized organizations are being asked to have a plan to protect their workers and to maintain the continuity of their operations.
On August 19, Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued an OSHA National News Release stressing the need for businesses to plan and respond to the upcoming flu season. Mr. Locke said: “The President has mobilized the federal government to get America prepared. But the government can’t do it alone. For this effort to be successful, we need the business community to do its part.”
A further statement was issued by Janet Napolitano in September reiterating the importance of small business in the fight against seasonal flu and H1N1. Her letter is contained in an in depth document published in FLU.gov entitled “Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business” .
But the importance of the issue goes beyond protecting US workers. President Obama issued a press release on September 17 in which he announced his stance that the US must be a leader in stopping the global spread of H1N1. As stated in the press release: “…the United States will continue to act aggressively to stop the global spread of the pandemic 2009-H1N1 influenza virus and is prepared to make 10 percent of its H1N1 vaccine supply available to other countries through the World Health Organization (WHO).”
