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Connecticut OSHA Alert

May 8th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

An influenza pandemic would have more of an impact on the global economy than a single terrorist attack. It would affect trade, tourism, travel, the food supply and consumer buying. A pandemic contingency plan is equally as important as the one many employers currently have in place for hurricanes, floods and natural disasters.

A recent announcement by the Connecticut OSHA addresses a potential flu pandemic or a global disease and how employers should and can prepare for one. “As with any catastrophe, having a contingency plan is essential.”

An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of the virus emerges. Since it’s a new strain, no one would have been able to become immune to the strain. And since no one is immune to it, the strain quickly spreads from one person to another worldwide.

According to the OSHA, employers should have an influenza pandemic disaster plan in place just as they have disaster plans in place for hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. The OSHA says, “As with any catastrophe, having a contingency plan is essential.”

Influenza is spread from person to person. If a pandemic ever happens, it will likely change patterns in commerce. Normal product deliveries won’t happen because of interruptions in supply chains. Grocery stores will be busy and might even run out of necessary supplies like hand sanitizer and tissues. Some businesses where people group together, like malls, restaurants and movie theaters, may experience a steep decline. Healthcare facilities may become overcrowded.

Employers have the power to minimize widespread economic disruptions by having a plan in place to deal with an influenza outbreak.

Did you know that the 1918 Spanish Flu killed more people than World War I did? The Spanish Flu was an influenza outbreak that killed 50 to 100 million in just 18 months. WWI killed 9 million soldiers and several million civilians.