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May 21, 2009

Pandemic and Communicable Disease Preparation

Despite all of the initial anxiety, it now appears that the swine flu is likely no worse than what we experience during a regular flu season. However, experts are warning of a possible resurgence this fall, when regular flu season comes around.  Now is a great time to take a look at reviewing or developing your company policy for dealing with these types of communicable illnesses.  Here are a couple of questions that you should answer in order to start preparing pandemic contingencies.

Under what conditions would all or some of your operations have to be closed down? In a pandemic situation you may have employees out ill, some afraid to come to work, and more that are staying home to care for children that are out of school.  Is there a level at which you have too few workers to operate safely or effectively?  Now is the time to analyze your operation and plan for increased absenteeism.

How will you deal with the fear factor? As we saw with the swine flu, pandemics cause great deal of fear which is fuel by misinformation or unknown information.  Providing employees with factual information and frequent updates about your specific workplace conditions will help reduce the fear factor.  Secondly, employees need to be confident that there protection is a priority.  Prepare your company now by determining what measures should be taken to protect employees from the spread of communicable illnesses while performing their job. 

What is your policy on employees coming to work sick? Many people feel obligated to come to work even when they are sick.  In the event of a pandemic, preventing this behavior must be your top priority. Even in a non-pandemic situation, having a policy on not coming to work sick and/or sending people home when they are sick will help in maintaining a healthier and more productive workforce in the long-term.  We have all seen it…one person comes in to finish that report, someone else ends up getting sick, and before you know it, the flu has been passed through the entire building. 

April, 22, 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
We are all aware of the tough economic times that our country is going through, and most of us have family or friends that have fallen victim to the highest unemployment rate in 75 years.   Compounding this crisis is the generally accepted fact that our planet is facing the potentially catastrophic consequences of global climate change.   Finding a solution that addresses these two problems are what form the basis for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (or what we have come to know as the Federal Stimulus Bill), signed by President Obama in February.  

"Through the President's stimulus package, green initiatives will play a significant role in powering economic recovery," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.   She adds, "The plan will create good, sustainable jobs that help produce cleaner drinking water, purer air, environmentally friendly urban and rural re-development, and reduced greenhouse gases. This is a perfect example of economic growth and environmental protection working hand in hand to the benefit of all Americans."

More specifically for us in the environmental health industry, the package includes $37 billion in "energy and climate" funds, most of which figure to be apportioned to the states for distribution.   While the final plan is not expected until May, below you will find the proposed funding outline.  

The EHS Pros are tracking the progress of this legislation, and will keep you informed on the latest developments.   Please sign up for our email updates to receive information on the Federal Stimulus and other environmental, health, and safety related topics.