For further information on Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery, please contact the Risk Management Helpdesk on
1300 660 827
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Pandemic Alert – A (H1N1) Influenza
We are all undoubtedly aware of the recent Swine Flu outbreak in Mexico and its global progression.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently raised the level of Pandemic Influenza alert to level six [Opens new browser window], signalling that the virus has reached pandemic levels. To reach this level there must be community level outbreaks in at least one country outside the WHO region where the original outbreak occurred
The Australian Government is doing everything within its power to control the risk of spreading the virus in this country, but ultimately it is the responsibility of every citizen to remain vigilant and implement basic hygiene and risk control strategies to minimise the risk of infection.
Basic hygiene risk reduction strategies to reduce the spread of influenza include:
- Frequent hand washing, 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.
- Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting flu like symptoms.
- Don’t share utensils, food and/or drink with other people.
- Avoid using other people’s phones.
- Ensure that kitchens and food preparation areas are regularly cleaned and wipe down benches before and after food preparation.
- If you are exhibiting flu like symptoms, see your GP immediately for further assistance.
- If you suspect that you may have been exposed to the A (H1N1) Influenza virus, advise your GP in advance, be sure to wear a face mask and avoid close contact with people.
Officials have cautioned against panic and the general consensus at this stage is that we need to maintain a state of alert, rather than alarm.
As with any viral illness, it is important that infected individuals avoid contact with others, get plenty of rest and fluids and most importantly, seek treatment from their GP.
Further information on the A (H1N1) Influenza outbreak is available from the following sources:
Business Continuity Management
Pandemic response should form an integral part of every organisation’s Business Continuity Management practice. Should the threat increase, businesses across the country may be confronted by staff shortages, staggered operating hours and in extreme circumstances closure. Organisation’s prepared to endure the current pandemic, are those that have already developed a Business Continuity Plan.
The current A (H1N1) Influenza outbreak reinforces the need for organisations to remain vigilant in responding to potential threats to business operations.
Managers in the workplace can take some short term simple steps to avoid an incident or outbreak of influenza in their environment. These steps should become incorporated into your Business Continuity Plan and/or OHS Emergency Response Plan.
BCP practices for the control of influenza include, but are not limited to:
- Identifying critical business activities/functions, minimum staffing levels and the ability 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 look at succession planning
- Implementing a communications strategy to ensure staff and students 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 influenza include, but are not limited to:
- Keeping informed and up-to-date on pandemic 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 or student practices
- Controlling identified risks and link them to the Business Continuity Plan and/or Emergency Response Plan.
- Planning and managing the recovery phase of the pandemic.
- Testing and evaluating the Emergency Response Plan and Business Continuity Plan regularly to ensure effectiveness.
For further information on Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery, please contact the Risk Management Helpdesk on 1300 660 827.
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