Monday
Sep142009
Health And Security Officials Prep Small Business For H1N1
Monday, September 14, 2009 at 4:19PM
Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills announced a guide to prepare small businesses to plan for possible H1N1 outbreaks this fall.
"Small businesses employ half of the nation's work force, and they are the supply chain for many critical industries," Napolitano said Monday during a conference call with reporters.
The preparedness guide encourages small businesses to identify a work place coordinator for H1N1, examine policies for teleworking and medical leave, identify essential employees and business functions and prepare a business continuity plan.
Mills said having a plan to prevent H1N1 outbreaks in the workplace is a necessity, especially in a small business setting.
"If one or two employees are out even for a few days, it is a health concern and a bottom-line concern," she said.
Daniel Jernigan, Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Influenza Division, said integrating these practices into the workplace may take major adjustments such as people evaluating and changing their medical leave policies and developing the ability for employees to work from home.
Outbreaks of H1N1 have been occurring since early this Spring and will likely become more common during the regular flu season. The preparedness guide allows for small businesses to prepare for various levels of H1N1 severity.
"We need to be prepared for many possibilities...we need to put this high on the agenda because it is good for employees, good for customers and ... it is good for business owners," Mills said.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills announced a guide to prepare small businesses to plan for possible H1N1 outbreaks this fall.
"Small businesses employ half of the nation's work force, and they are the supply chain for many critical industries," Napolitano said Monday during a conference call with reporters.
The preparedness guide encourages small businesses to identify a work place coordinator for H1N1, examine policies for teleworking and medical leave, identify essential employees and business functions and prepare a business continuity plan.
Mills said having a plan to prevent H1N1 outbreaks in the workplace is a necessity, especially in a small business setting.
"If one or two employees are out even for a few days, it is a health concern and a bottom-line concern," she said.
Daniel Jernigan, Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Influenza Division, said integrating these practices into the workplace may take major adjustments such as people evaluating and changing their medical leave policies and developing the ability for employees to work from home.
Outbreaks of H1N1 have been occurring since early this Spring and will likely become more common during the regular flu season. The preparedness guide allows for small businesses to prepare for various levels of H1N1 severity.
"We need to be prepared for many possibilities...we need to put this high on the agenda because it is good for employees, good for customers and ... it is good for business owners," Mills said.
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