As the number of cases of H1N1 influenza rose to141 as of May 1, and the threat level raised to 5, US businesses are being urged to look at ways to meet the health, social, and economic impact of the pandemic.

In a recent statement to the press, Lindsey Booher, CIH, CSP, president of the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), said, “Planning for pandemic influenza is critical, and the business community must not delay in considering the impact of a pandemic and adjust their [companies’] employee health and safety plans accordingly.”

 

Industrial hygienists will have a crucial role in ensuring worker health and safety and in maintaining an adequate workforce. To assist them, the AIHA has developed a set of guidelines that employers and employees can use to identify risks. The guidelines address such issues as workplace access and security, labor relations, communications, and germ control.

 

In addition to publishing the guidelines, the AIHA is monitoring recent developments regarding the H1N1A flu outbreak and abiding by the recommendations from the CDC, World Health Organization and Health Canada. Association staffers also attend daily briefing teleconferences being held by the CDC/Health and Human Services Office for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Program, thereby obtaining the latest and most direct information in preparation for new developments.

 

Source American Industrial Hygiene Association