Safety alert - Swine influenza
A strain of Swine influenza has been confirmed in several countries including Mexico, the USA, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Several cases of Swine influenza are also being tested for in Australia.
What your organisation should do
Comcare suggests that organisations now consider reviewing and implementing their flu pandemic preparedness plan to prepare for a potential Swine influenza outbreak.
If your organisation has yet to develop a flu pandemic preparedness plan, Comcare suggests that you do so immediately using the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s publication Pandemic planning in the workplace [pdf].
As a precautionary measure, Comcare suggests that organisations should also take the following steps to manage the risk for their people and operations:
- identify any potential hazards
- assess the risks (e.g. potential for exposure, level of exposure)
- implement appropriate control measures (e.g. Personal Protective Equipment, working from home arrangements)
- continuously inform their employees of the potential risks from this strain of influenza
- stay up to date (monitor the media and health organisation reports) regarding any further developments that may have implications to their organisation.
More information
For more information on managing the risks of Swine influenza, please contact the Comcare OHS Helpdesk via email or call 1300 366 979.
To find up-to-date information on the Swine influenza outbreak, call the Department of Health and Ageing’s dedicated hotline on 18 02 007.
You can also find out more information on the prevention and management of an Influenza Pandemic by visiting the following government websites: