How to Protect Your Office, Business and Employees from Swine Flu

The Guardian has been reporting that Swine Flu cases in Britain have risen by 50% in a single week as the expected rapid penetration of the virus continues.  The rate is expected to carry on increasing and the rate of increase is expected to rise.

The impact on business of a national flu outbreak is considerable.  With typical recovery rates at 4-5 days and, being a flu virus, a high virulence level, swine flu represents a perfect storm for UK small business.  How can your office prevent swine flu being spread?  What precautions can your business take against swine flu?

Cover up When Coughing and Sneezing

Whether you or your employees have any symptoms of illness or not, ensure that you cover up your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.  The virus is particularly virulent early in the infection cycle.

Encourage Staff to Wash Hands

Create a regime of staff washing their hands on a regular basis.  Transmission of the virus by hand is a key risk, regularly washing your hands will help.

Send Poorly Staff Home at The Earliest Opportunity

As swine flu passes from person to person quickly during the early part of an individuals infection, it is essential that staff are encouraged to stay away from your office or business at the first signs of illness to prevent infecting other employees.

Disinfect all Hard Surfaces

To prevent swine flu spreading around your office, buy some disinfecting products (or bleach) and clean all hard surfaces, not just bathroom and kitchen areas regularly.  Pay particular attention to phones, rails, door handles, light switches, photocopier panels and window handles.

Avoid Crowded Areas

If your staff go into a city centr for lunch, encourage them to avoid particularly crowded areas where the virus will pass from peson to person quickly.

Work From Home

Anyone that can work from home, should.  Within the home, the chances of contracting swine flu are limited.

Contigency Plan

Plan for the worst.  If you do not have a full business continuity plan, create one now.  If your staff were reduced to a critical level, how would you manage the essential day to day tasks essential for your business.

Good luck in preventing the spread of swine flu in your office.

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