Avian flu preparedness

Development of emergency recovery plans vital for Ohio businesses

Monday, May 22, 2006

Columbus – The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), the federal government, other state governments, communities and industries are taking steps to prepare for and respond to a bird flu pandemic expected to occur in the near future.

A contingency plan is essential to combat a flu outbreak that could easily spread worldwide, because there is little or no immunity in the human population. BWC urges employers to develop preparedness plans as they do for other public health emergencies.

In the event of an influenza pandemic, businesses will play a key role in protecting employees' health and safety. Employers also will play a part in limiting the negative impact to themselves, the economy and society in general. Companies that provide critical infrastructure services, such as power and telecommunications, also have a special responsibility to plan for continued operation in a crisis and should plan accordingly.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have developed guidelines, including a check list, to assist businesses in planning for a global outbreak of the bird flu and other comparable catastrophes. The link below offers guidelines and a check list for business and industry planning.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab4.html

Related links
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
— Safety and Health Topic Page on Avian Influenza, Protecting Workers from Exposure

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
— Safety & Health Bulletin on Avian Influenza, Protecting Poultry Workers at Risk
— Guidance for Protecting Workers against Avian Flu

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
— Avian Influenza Home Page

Ohio Department of Health
— Bird flu site

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Contact: Nancy Smeltzer, BWC, (614) 752-7558