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Influenza prevention – what you need to know
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Richmond, B.C., October 26, 2009 — The Influenza A (H1N1) virus has spread throughout the world, and has a strong presence in B.C. Employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from all work-related hazards, including exposure to infectious diseases like influenza. Find out what you need to know to protect your workers and yourself.
What is H1N1 influenza?
H1N1 is a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to seasonal flu, including fever and cough, but may also include headache, general aches, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What are the regulatory requirements?
When a worker is at risk or possible risk of exposure to H1N1, the employer is required to implement an exposure control plan as specified in Section 6.34 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
An exposure control plan must:
- Identify which workers are at risk of exposure to H1N1 and the tasks that put them at risk
- Assess the degree of risk
- State how the risk will be controlled (for example, 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?
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or use a tissue and then throw the tissue into the trash
- Wash your hands regularly, 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.
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Stay home from work if you are sick
- Get the H1N1 vaccine as it becomes available
“The best way to limit influenza exposure in your workplace is to encourage proper cough etiquette and regular hand washing, and to have sick workers stay at home” says Geoffrey Clark, WorkSafeBC’s senior occupational hygienist.
For more information about the human swine influenza visit: