Employers raise concerns on swine flu readiness

Media statement Thursday, June 4, 2009

Employers raise concerns on swine flu readiness

More employers are inquiring about swine flu preparedness following the news it might eventually affect half the population, said Paul Jarvie, Manager of health & Safety at the Employers & Manufacturers Association Northern

"We are keeping a watch twice daily on the World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health websites to monitor developments," he said.

"At this stage swine flu has had a negligible impact on business, though international travel is undoubtedly affected.

"So far the known cases in New Zealand have recovered reasonably quickly and their sickness has been mild.

"However, employers need to be aware of the impact that virus sicknesses can have on their staff, and they should be monitoring staff returning from overseas, especially Australia where the swine flu has had a greater initial impact.

"They should also make sure their staff are aware they should always wash their hands and use tissues when sneezing and coughing, and the symptoms to watch out for.

"The flu's impact could increase employers need to plan for sickness absenteeism. For example, they should review sickness and holiday leave entitlements, provide information to staff, and plan to maintain critical business functions in the event of an epidemic.

"We assisted EMA members prepare for maintaining critical activities during the bird flu scare four years back, and this is a good time to review those plans.

"At that time the government passed laws to empower procedures that would restrict the spread of bird flu. Public transport could be halted and schools closed if required, and income support was considered for workers unable to go to work whose paid leave entitlements had been fully used.

"A statement from the government refreshing public knowledge on these things would be helpful."

ENDS

© Scoop Media