labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Let’s go through the worker safety plan checklist: power outages, floods, hurricanes… pandemics. That’s right, pandemics. If you are like most, you probably weren’t planning for the worldwide outbreak of disease. Recent alerts from the OSHA are regarding a possible influenza pandemic.

The Florida OSHA alert is all about the flu. If by some chance a new twist in the flu virus develops, there could be a rampant spread of the illness. A never before experienced type of influenza could take months to develop a vaccine for. Most of us are used to the seasonal flu, but if the virus changes, our bodies would not be immune to it. It is extremely important to have a safety plan in place in case of emergencies like this.

Should a pandemic occur, it is a good idea to avoid certain public areas. Shopping centers, movie theaters and restaurants, are places were the germs can be spread. If it isn’t necessary to go to these places during an outbreak, don’t go. Supermarkets, clinics and health care facilities would naturally be overcrowded do to the increasing needs. Sanitary items like antibacterial soaps and tissues will most likely be in short supply.

The investments would fluctuate do to the drop in consumerism. Tourism, trade, and travel would decline until the outbreak is under control. It could take weeks or months to develop a vaccine for a new strain of the virus. Infants and elderly people would be especially threatened, as their immune systems are not typically as strong as other people.

Please not the hypothetical nature of this message. The OSHA wants everyone to be aware that it is possible, not imminent. As of today, there have not been any new developments of the flu virus, so there is no need to worry or panic. Even though there is no current outbreak, everyone should be prepared, just in case.

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