July 24, 2006—Recent surveys have found that many American Businesses are not prepared for what could be a devastating global avian flu pandemic. In response to its members’ requests, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Healthcare Practice Specialty (HPS) group has developed avian flu infection control tips for businesses and communities.
In the ASSE Healthbeat newsletter article titled ‘Avian Flu: Infection Control Guidelines,’ written by ASSE Healthcare Practice Specialty Administrator Aruna Vadgama, RN, MPA, CPHQ, members suggest businesses keep informed, develop a plan and implement public health programs.
From a workplace standpoint, avian flu may be more threatening to employees of poultry farms, other farm workers and animal handlers, Vadgama writes. According to the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) ‘Guidance for Protecting Workers Against Avian Flu’ it is these workers who are most likely to recognize an infected bird or animal.
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the Healthbeat article suggests that communities, workplaces and individuals should:
- develop and implement preparedness plans as one would for other public health emergencies;
- adopt business and school practices that encourage sick employees/students to stay home;
- anticipate how to function with a significant portion of the workforce/school population absent due to illness or caring for ill family members; and
- stay informed about pandemic influenza and be prepared to respond, among other things.
Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the largest and oldest professional safety organization with more than 30,000 occupational safety, health and environmental practitioner members committed to protecting people, property and the environment. For a copy of the article please go to the Web site.
