Pandemic Flu

How You Can Prepare:
Business

In a severe pandemic, many people may not be able to come to work because they are sick, taking care of someone who is sick, home with children because schools and day care facilities are temporarily closed, or unable to get to work because of changes in public transportation.

Others you do business with—suppliers, transportation, communications—will be also faced with disruptions. Health departments may recommend that large gatherings be suspended to reduce the spread of disease.

How Businesses Can Survive by Planning

• Create a plan—identify key functions and know exactly what you have to do to stay in business.
• Cross-train employees so you have back-up.
• Create an emergency call down list so you know how to contact employees and their families.
• Figure out ways to stagger work shifts to minimize face-to-face contact.
• Establish absence policies so that employees will stay home when they are sick.
• Provide information to encourage your employees to plan for themselves and their families.
• Talk to other people you do business with—what is their plan and how might it affect your business?
• Educate your employees and customers—let them know you have a plan.

Planning Resources

www.pandemicflu.gov >>
Department of Health and Human Services. Checklists and planning guides for business. Includes:

• OHSHA workplace exposure guidelines
• Federal employment laws
• workplace questions
• guidelines for overseas operations

ReadyBusiness >>
Department of Homeland Security. Business continuity and crisis management planning.

• sample plan (fill-in form) 
• mentoring initiative

Avian Influenza and Pandemic Preparedness: A Planning Resource for the Grocery Industry (1MB) 
Pandemic Planning Guide for Commercial Buildings (1MB) 

Sample Plans

Human Resources Manual (Metro King County) 
Return to Work Policy (Metro King County)
Human Capital Policy (U.S. Office of Personnel Management)

Video Resources

Starbucks Business Continuity Planning Presentation
Northwest Center for Public Health Practice session archive. Outlines Starbucks’ pandemic influenza planning, and how lessons from previous incidents (such as Hurricane Katrina) are incorporated into these plans.

Trust for America’s Health: Forum on Business and Influenza Pandemic Preparedness (2006)
National Press Club video archive. Experts provide advice on how your organization can better prepare for the many challenges posed by an influenza outbreak.

Page updated May 07, 2008