health and safety news
Swine flu
Please note: the following information is based on the current swine flu situation at the time of being published. For further information about swine flu please visit the Health Protection Agency (HPA) website.
Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. This strain can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. The vast majority of reported cases in the UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.
Employers and employees should always practice good personal hygiene measures – use a disposable tissue to control coughs/sneezes, dispose of it appropriately and wash your hands before eating, drinking etc. Alcohol hand wash should also be provided where possible
In addition, you should:
advise your staff to stay at home if they are sick with flu-like symptoms and have good reason to believe, based on HPA guidance, that they may have been exposed to the swine flu virus. Ask them to contact the National Pandemic Flu Line.
send home any employees who are displaying flu-like signs/symptoms
Typical symptoms include:
sudden fever (38C or above) and sudden cough
tiredness and chills
headache, sore throat, runny nose and sneezing
stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhoea
aching muscles, limb or joint pain.
The number of people in public places who are displaying symptoms is likely to be limited. Therefore it should not be necessary for workers to wear facemasks routinely when in contact with the general public.
The UK has a comprehensive flu surveillance system, so more cases may be identified in the UK than in other countries with less comprehensive monitoring services.
The Department of Health, working with HSE and HPA, has produced guidance for businesses in the eventuality of a flu pandemic. This Pandemic flu guidance for businesses includes advice on facemasks and good hygiene, as well as a risk assessment matrix and checklists – it is available from the Department of Health’s website.
