The H1N1 influenza virus continues to be a newsmaker as it spreads through human-to-human contact virtually everywhere around the world. The 2009 H1N1 strain is about as severe as the seasonal flu, and people have died or been hospitalized from illnesses associated with this virus, just as with the flu each season.
The 2009 H1N1 is a “novel” influenza virus - most people do not have antibodies to it. Older people are the least likely to be infected, but they are on the list of those who are most likely to develop serious illness if they do get sick. Those at the highest risk of developing severe illness after getting H1N1 are children younger than five, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. These are in the group of those who should be vaccinated, along with all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age and healthcare and emergency medical services personnel.
To protect your workers and ultimately your business, employers should:
Employers can gain valuable information by attending a State Fund seminar on planning for business continuity during this H1N1 epidemic. For more information, go to www.statefundca.com/seminars/SeminarDetails.asp?SeminarID=150
Employers involved in health care and some other operations with increased risk of exposure to H1N1 or other communicable diseases fall under the new Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Diseases (ATD) standard, which took effect on August 5, 2009. Information on this standard can be found at: www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/5199.html.
State Fund is here to help protect California businesses by providing resources to ensure a safe workplace and healthy workers. State Fund’s Loss Control Department can provide assistance with questions regarding H1N1 or the new Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Disease standard. We also have many safety and health resources available to policyholders.
