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For more information contact the Risk Management Helpdesk on 1300 660 827
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Infection Control and Business Continuity Management
The sudden chill of autumn is a timely reminder that winter is on its way, bringing with it colds and flu.
Though colds traditionally result in mild to moderate illness that can generally be expected to improve within five to seven days after the onset of symptoms, influenza often presents as a more severe and long lasting affliction. In fact, each year an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide are attributed to the illness.
Though vaccinations are the first line of defence for many and are particularly important for the most vulnerable in our communities, the elderly, young children and people suffering from chronic illness, it is important to remember that the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the major A and B influenza strains and may not prevent strains outside of this spectrum.
Once you contract the common cold or flu viruses they cannot be treated with
antibiotics, so unfortunately you are stuck with it for its duration. For this reason, it is important to implement some basic infection and hygiene control practices within your workplace to reduce the risk of catching and spreading infection.
Whilst there is little that can be done to stop the onslaught of coughs, sniffles and sneezes, the steps below may assist in minimising your risk of contracting or spreading infections over the "sniffly season":
- Wash hands frequently, particularly before eating and drinking and after smoking and using amenities
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Use tissues when coughing and sneezing, dispose of them in the bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards
- Increase your intake of vitamin C, if your current intake is below the recommended daily requirement and you are not allergic
- Protect yourself, by avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting flu like symptoms
- Do not share utensils, food and/or drink with other people
- Avoid the use of other people's phones
- Ensure that kitchens and food preparation areas are regularly cleaned and wipe down benches before and after food preparation
- Talk to your General Practitioner about getting the annual flu vaccination. (Note: the flu vaccination is generally effective against the major A and B influenza strains within the prescribed year but will not protect against every strain of the virus. In addition people with egg allergies may not be able to be vaccinated against the flu as eggs are used in the production of the vaccine. As with any medical procedure or medication, it is best to discuss your concerns and options with your doctor before proceeding).
If your attempts to avoid catching colds and flu have failed, the following strategies can be employed to reduce the risk of infecting others and ensure a swift recovery:
- Avoid close contact with other people
- Get plenty of rest, ensure you stay hydrated and continue to eat normally
- Consult your General Practitioner for further assistance, particularly if your condition is not improving or you believe you may have contracted a secondary infection
- Consider the use of over the counter cold and flu medications to relieve symptoms, if your General Practitioner has deemed it safe to do so.
Further information on colds and flu is available from the following organisations:
Business Continuity Management
Though some flu strains appear to spread more rapidly than others, not every strain of the flu will be as prolific as the HlNl outbreak of 2009. However, the severity of the 2009 HlNl pandemic outbreak demonstrated the importance of maintaining a high standard of infection control and of organisations having thorough and diligent Business Continuity Management procedures and guidelines.
Pandemic response should form an integral part of every organisation's Business Continuity Management practice. Organisation's which are prepared to endure pandemic and other major events affecting their operations, are placing themselves in the strongest possible position to continue to operate.
Business Continuity Management practices employed to safeguard against loss of revenue and custom during unforeseen downtime include:
- identifying critical business activities/functions, minimum staffing levels and the possibility of employees working from home
- liaising with suppliers and auxiliary services to determine the likelihood of interruption to the supply chain
- instituting a chain of command and looking at succession planning
- implementing a communications strategy to ensure staff are aware of influenza symptoms, hygiene practices and appropriate actions if they are unwell or notice others that are unwell.
OHS practices for the control of colds and flu include, but are not limited to:
- keeping informed and up-to-date on health information
- informing employees of any travel protocols/restrictions in place.
- undertaking risk assessments on activities that have cause for:
- a direct risk of infection
- an indirect risk from changes to usual staff practices
- controlling identified risks and link them to the Business Continuity Plan and/or Emergency Response Plan
- testing and evaluating the Emergency Response Plan and Business Continuity Plan regularly to ensure effectiveness.
For further information on infection control and Business Continuity Management, please contact the Risk Management Helpdesk on 1300 660 827 or alternatively by e-mail
Disclaimer: This article is provided by Catholic Church Insurances Limited to its clients for informational purposes only and should not be used or considered as a comprehensive coverage of the topic discussed. As this information is of a general nature you should consider obtaining professional advice to ensure that your own circumstances are properly considered.
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