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Influenza prevention – what you need to know
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Richmond, B.C., April 29, 2009 — Human swine influenza A (H1N1) has now been reported in Mexico, United States, Canada, and other countries around the world. The World Health Organization is coordinating a global response to the threat of a pandemic. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control are closely monitoring the outbreak and have plans in place to limit exposure to Canadians.
British Columbia employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from all work-related hazards, including exposure to infectious diseases like influenza. With the threat of an influenza pandemic, find out what you need to know to protect your workers and yourself.
“The best way to limit influenza exposure in your workplace is to have sick workers stay at home and encourage regular handwashing with hot water and soap,” says Geoffrey Clark, WorkSafeBC’s senior occupational hygienist.
What is the human swine influenza?
The swine flu is a respiratory disease associated with pigs. The symptoms of swine flu in people resemble regular human flu symptoms, including fever, cough, headache, general aches, and fatigue. Some people also experience runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What are the regulatory requirements?
When a worker is at risk, or may reasonably be expected to be at risk, of harmful contact with a biological agent specified by WorkSafeBC, the employer is required to implement an exposure control plan as specified in Section 5.54 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. (WorkSafeBC has specified that section 6.34 applies to the virus that causes the swine flu.)
An exposure control plan must do the following:
- Include a statement of purpose and responsibilities
- Identify the workers at risk
- Assess the degree of risk
- Identify how that risk will be controlled (for example, through safe work practices, education and training, personal protective equipment, good housekeeping, and engineering controls such as isolation rooms)
Resources for implementing an exposure control plan:
- Guidelines Part 6 - Biological agents
- WorkSafeBC publication Controlling Exposure: Protecting Workers from Infectious Disease
- WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line: 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland or toll-free in B.C. at 1 888 621-7233
What precautions can everyone take?
If you have a fever or cough illness, regardless of where you have travelled, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. See a health care provider if your symptoms become worse, but call ahead of time to let them know you have fever or cough illness.
The World Health Organization has determined that the swine flu virus is spreading from human to human. As with any infectious disease, the following are recommended standard precautionary measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. When you cough, do so into your sleeve if possible
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze (view our slide show on hand washing: Disease prevention: It’s in your hands)
- Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people
- If you get sick, stay home from school or work and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth — germs spread that way
For more information about the human swine influenza visit: