By Ruth Kiefer, ARM, MSc, Loss Control Manager

I know we just came out of the season of giving, however, this is most likely something that your fellow employees don’t want to exchange, the dreaded flu. Having just experienced this sidelining virus myself, I must attest that my policyholders who I needed to visit, appreciated that fact that I didn’t come out to see them while I was sick. They graciously rescheduled our visit for the following week. Since there has been such an increase in flu cases, OSHA has provided a baseline infection control procedure for the seasonal flu. Employers should ensure that they have the most up-to-date information when making decisions about operations and planning.

What to do to protect yourself during flu season:

1) Vaccination is the most important way to prevent the spread of the flu

2) Stay at home if you are sick. The HHS/CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8 degrees Celsius] or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

4) Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.

5) Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve(s). Throw tissues into a “no-touch” wastebasket.

6) Clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

a. When using soap and water, rub soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds, rinse hands with water, and dry completely.

b. If soap and water are not available, use of an alcohol-based hand rub is a helpful interim measure until hand washing is possible. When using an alcoholbased hand rub, apply liquid to palm of hand, cover all surfaces of the hands with the liquid, and rub hands together until dry.

7) Keep frequently touched common surfaces (e.g., telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.

8) Try not to use a coworker’s phone, desk, office, computer, or other work tools and equipment. If you must use a coworker’s equipment, consider cleaning it first with a disinfectant.

9) Avoid shaking hands or coming in close contact with coworkers and others who may be ill.

10) Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise, and relaxation.

11) Speak with your doctor and find out if you are in a high risk category for seasonal flu (e.g., pregnant women, persons with asthma, etc.).

12) Participate in any training offered by your employer. Make sure that you understand how to stay healthy at work.

Our loss control team will adhere to rule number 2 if we find ourselves sidelined by the flu. We will give you a courtesy call to reschedule our visit with you. If you have done any driving along I-75, I-94, or I-696, you will also notice that the CDC has put out signs for the “Flu IQ”. They also know that this virus can sideline your employees, which causes a shortage in your workforce. If your employees needed more information about who should get vaccinated, you can visit the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm) for more information.

For more information regarding protecting your workers during a Pandemic please go to www.osha. gov/Publications/protect-yourselfpandemic. html or ask your LC consultant for more information on how to implement a plan to protect your workers during this season.