Recommendations for Preventing the Spread
of Pandemic Influenza in the Workplace

The guidelines below are general infection control measures aimed toward preventing the spread of infection in the workplace.  Additional guidance from management may be necessary based on the situation. 

Infection control in these settings should focus on keeping workers away while they are infectious and promoting respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette and
hand hygiene, as with any respiratory infection. 

• Excuse workers from their duties if they develop symptoms

• Identify essential positions

• Develop a plan to allow for coverage when workers must be home

• Develop policies that are unique to a pandemic, including

  • sick leave and return to work

  • flexible worksite (telecommuting) and work hours (staggered shifts)

  • preventing spread in the workplace (hand hygiene, cough etiquette)

  • restricting travel, meetings outside the office

  • communications 

• Determine how information will be disseminated to employees and stakeholders

  • written

  • designated website

  • hotlines

• Post visual alerts in lobby, waiting rooms
• Contact the local health department if pandemic influenza is expected or there is an increased number of absent employees during a pandemic period

• Provide training and resources for staff about pandemic influenza, including:  routes of transmission; signs and symptoms; treatment; and infection control strategies (hand washing, respiratory/cough etiquette)  

Encourage the use of infection control measures to reduce the spread of infection  

• Provide infection control supplies (e.g., hand hygiene products, tissues and receptacles for their disposal) in all business locations
• Ensure availability of medical consultation and advice for emergency services
  
  Taken from the Virginia Department of Health Emergency Operations Plan:  Pandemic Influenza.
  Available at www.vdh.virginia.gov.