Businesses should prepare for flu pandemic

Weintz, who helped lead the pandemic flu planning for the NHS in Scotland before setting up her own crisis management company, Fan Hitter, said:

"Some areas of business and industry are poorly prepared and have little idea of what the impact of a pandemic may mean for their business or how they will cope."

The public sector, and in particular the NHS throughout the country has well rehearsed plans in place to deal with a worst case scenario pandemic. However, the private sector may not be in such a strong position.

"Businesses and organisations generally, need to identify risks and develop adequate contingency support plans for large staff absences, the possible implementation of the Civil Contingencies Act as well as understanding their obligations to the health and well being of their employees. They also need to put in place adequate arrangements for protecting members of the  public from unnecessary risk of exposure when coming into contact with staff during a pandemic."

Businesses face wider risks from a full blown pandemic and should also think about a reserve list of suppliers to ensure business continuity. 

Weintz said:

"Its essential that businesses know and understand what  their suppliers' contingency plans are during a period which could see a weakening of the supply chain of goods and services which they rely on for the day to day running of their own business.

Weintz, who has seen a marked increase in calls from businesses this week seeking support and advice on how best to plan for a possible pandemic, added:

"It is also about knowing what advice to follow and where to find it. It's very much about making sensible arrangements and planning for a worst case scenario just in case - without panicking. 

"Business continuity, particularly during these tough economic times is essential, and a break in the continuity of every day business, could make the difference between a business surviving or going to the wall."

According to Weintz, employers can also do their bit to help stop the spread of the flu virus by encouraging and providing opportunity for staff to wash hands regularly as well as ensuring that equipment is kept clean.

"Consistent expert health advice is that the best form of action against any pandemic flu virus is for people to practice good personal hygiene.  Employers can help by providing suitable information to all employees and encouraging them to wash their hands regularly particularly after each stint of working on a till for example.

"Employers should also make provision for things like till key pads, computer keyboards and telephone handsets to be wiped clean with a suitable disposable disinfectant wipe after each user has finished with them.

"Communicating well with staff about what company policy is in relation to things like sickness absences during a pandemic is essential for reassuring staff and avoiding panic.

Weintz is keen to point out that an understanding and flexibile approach towards things like staff absences is also needed because employees may be affected in different ways by a pandemic - some may become ill, some may need time off to care for family members who become ill whilst some may need to stay away from work should schools be forced to close.

"Employers need to look at the many implications a pandemic can have on a business and plan to mitigate those taking into account every possible eventuality." She added.