Bituminous Insurance Companies

Preparedness Guide for Business: H1N1 2009 Influenza

Release Date: October 2, 2009

The influenza virus, now called 2009 H1N1 influenza, or 2009 H1N1 flu, first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates additional cases, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with this pandemic in the United States during the U.S. 2009–2010 influenza season.

The severity of illness from the 2009 H1N1 flu cannot be predicted. While there is topical health and safety information addressing 2009 H1N1 flu, it is important to have a written plan for how the workplace will continue business through a possible pandemic. The recently published guide for small businesses focuses on the continuity planning associated with planning for a pandemic outbreak.

Continuity Planning Tips for Businesses

If 2009 H1N1 flu hits, be prepared to implement multiple measures to protect workers and ensure business continuity. A layered approach will likely work better than using just one measure. Ideas for how to establish a plan are found in the small business guide.
Identify essential business functions, jobs, and critical elements required to maintain business operations. Plan for how your business will operate if there is increasing absenteeism to limit interruptions. Consider essential functions, cross-training workers to respond in emergencies and establishing backup of key data to assure access.
Establish a process to communicate information to workers and business partners on your 2009 H1N1 influenza response plans and latest 2009 H1N1 influenza information. Anticipate employee fear, anxiety, rumors, and misinformation, and plan communications accordingly. Available sample materials are provided at the website.
Different groups, such as schools, healthcare facilities, day care centers, retail establishments, and others, require different planning activities. The CDC has anticipated these differences and provides tailored resources to assist the different entities.
Explore flexible policies to allow workers to telework (if feasible) or use leave policies that allow workers to stay home to care for sick family members or care for children if schools close.
Encourage workers to obtain a seasonal influenza vaccine to prevent illness from seasonal influenza strains that may circulate at the same time as the 2009 H1N1 flu. Encourage employees to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. Consider granting employees time off from work to get vaccinated when the vaccine is available in your community.

The preparedness guide for small business is available at http://www.flu.gov/professional/business/.

The information contained in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable. ISO Services Properties, Inc., its companies and employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with either the information herein contained or the safety suggestions herein made. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable safety procedure is contained herein or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedure.