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🔒[Audiobook] Human Resources | Office Health and Safety
How do you keep your team healthy and productive during the winter months? Discover the strategies to maintain employee well-being as we explore common winter illnesses and their impact on workplace efficiency. You'll hear about Cindy from HR's success story in engaging her colleagues by focusing on prevalent winter conditions like the common cold, influenza, and pneumonia, illustrating how awareness can drive better health practices and boost productivity.
Moving forward, we'll dive into the details of contagious winter illnesses such as conjunctivitis, strep throat, norovirus, and gastroenteritis. Learn the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures for these ailments, alongside practical tips to alleviate discomfort and prevent the spread of infections. Emphasize good hygiene and understand how avoiding the sharing of personal items can make a significant difference in keeping your office a healthier place.
Lastly, we tackle the significance of business continuity planning during epidemics. From the spread, symptoms, and treatment of respiratory illnesses like influenza and pneumonia to remote work policies and effective communication, we cover it all. Hear about Erica’s team and their dedication to continuous evaluation and improvement of the company's Emergency Response Plan (ERP). This episode is your comprehensive guide to managing and preventing winter illnesses in the workplace, ensuring a safe and productive environment for everyone.
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Sign up for our self-paced courses or instructor-led workshops at www.ht-a.solutions
Sign up for our self-paced courses or instructor-led workshops at www.ht-a.solutions
Office Health and Safety. Module 1. Getting Started. Productivity of a company begins with the health of its employees.
Speaker 1:While it is not always possible to eliminate sickness, with the proper tools, reducing the illness and its effects can be within your reach. This course will explain what it takes to keep yourself and co-workers healthy. Module 2. Common Winter Illnesses, part 1. Although many common illnesses can strike any time of the year, they are typically seen in the winter months. Just because they are common doesn't mean that you have to allow yourself to fall victim to them. Here is part 1 of sicknesses you want to be on the lookout for.
Speaker 1:The common cold is an infection that can be caused by several different viruses, such as rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus. It attacks the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose and throat. While it typically lasts a week or two and is relatively mild, it is highly contagious and can spread to the point that work productivity is drastically slowed down or even halted. Cold sores are small blisters that appear on the lips or around the mouth. They are likely the result of the herpes simplex virus strain HSV-1. Although cold sores can come from a herpes virus strain, that does not mean the individual is necessarily a carrier of the general herpes STD. Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, usually go away on their own in 7 to 10 days, but can still be passed from person to person with direct contact.
Speaker 1:Influenza is commonly called the flu. It, too, is caused by a virus and infects the nose, throat and lungs. For many people, the flu can resolve on its own within a couple of weeks. For others, such as those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and adults over the age of 65, complications of the flu can be fatal. Pneumonia is an illness that specifically affects the alveoli of one or both lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia can be caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria and fungi. Persons with viral and bacterial pneumonia are contagious, but fungal pneumonia is not spread from person to person. It is important to note that fungal pneumonia is less common than viral and bacterial pneumonia. It is common for pneumonia to last two weeks. It can be even longer for those who have other chronic conditions, are very young or part of the elderly population. Even those who are otherwise healthy can experience after effects of pneumonia for up to a month or so.
Speaker 1:Cindy in HR noticed each winter many employees call in sick with illnesses that seem to be pretty common. She decided to put together a handbook of some of the most common sicknesses that she sees in the workplace so others can be on the lookout for them. Once she distributed the handbook, she realized not many employees were interested in reading it. She met with Beverly, another employee in HR, to get her take on why the handbook did not go over so well. Beverly said the illnesses mentioned were not really as common as Cindy thought and recommended that she redo the handbook, talking about colds, cold sores, the flu and pneumonia. Once she did, almost 100% of employees read the handbook and asked follow-up questions.
Speaker 1:Module 3. Common Winter Illnesses, part 2. So far we took a brief look at some illnesses that affect many each year, most of them being contagious. Let's continue to explore other common sicknesses that you should prepare your body to fight against if you are unable to avoid them altogether.
Speaker 1:Conjunctivitis is the medical term for what most people understand to be pink eye. With this condition, the thin tissue over the white part of the eye is inflamed. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites can be the cause of pink eye. It can spread quickly but usually doesn't cause long-term damage, even if it doesn't cause long-term issues. Who wants to deal with discolored, watery and possibly painful or itchy eyes for a few days to two weeks? Since pink eye is so contagious, you want to help prevent the spread of it by not touching your eyes with your bare hands, regularly washing your hands, not sharing eye cosmetics with others.
Speaker 1:A sore throat is many times a symptom of an underlying condition, such as a cold or flu. Regarding the throat itself, it is usually scratchy, uncomfortable or painful, which typically worsens as one swallows. Unless the root cause of the soreness is severe, it typically lasts a week. If caused by a viral infection, it will heal without intervention. Unlike a common sore throat, strep throat is caused by bacteria and requires an antibiotic to get rid of it. The two are similar in causing scratchiness and soreness. If not treated properly, strep throat can lead to damage of the kidneys, heart and joints. So at the first sign of the condition, it is advised to visit your doctor. Although common in children, strep throat can affect people of all ages. Doctor. Although common in children, strep throat can affect people of all ages. This highly contagious condition can be spread airborne or by touching one's eyes, mouth or nose after coming in contact with a surface that had been touched by a person already infected.
Speaker 1:Norovirus. As stated in its name, norovirus is caused by a virus and considered a stomach bug. It is known for causing sudden diarrhea and vomiting in sufferers. The illness is highly contagious and symptoms typically last one to three days. As painful as these symptoms may be, the virus usually clears the body without intervention. However, because of the severe loss of bodily fluids, one can become dehydrated, which could cause other problems that would require medical attention. Fluids one can become dehydrated, which could cause other problems that would require medical attention.
Speaker 1:Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus such as norovirus, bacteria or parasite. With this condition, the lining of the intestines becomes inflamed. It is known as the stomach flu, even though it is not related to influenza, and is accompanied by diarrhea and cramps. Nausea, vomiting and fever are also likely to occur. Most people undergo a one to three-day incubation period where no symptoms are present. Symptoms then last for a day or two, but may remain for 10 days.
Speaker 1:Paul and Amy decided to coordinate a potluck for their team, celebrating a job well done on the project they finished. Two days after the potluck, paul called in sick with what he described as stomach issues. Three days later, several other team members called in sick. At first Amy thought it was a coincidence that so many people were sick at the same time. As she thought back to a training they had on common illnesses, she remembered specifically talking about gastroenteritis and how it has a one-to-three-day incubation period and can be spread through the contaminated food of a person who is infected. She came to the conclusion that it was likely a result of the potluck. Amy decided to be on the safe side. Future celebrations will not include potlucks.
Speaker 1:Module 4. Cold and Cold Sores. Now that we understand what a cold and cold sore are, let's take a look at how they spread, symptoms, treatment methods and what we can do to potentially prevent them in the first place. Cold. Like many viruses, the common cold, can spread through airborne droplets, such as when a person coughs, sneezes or blows their nose. In addition, if the infected person's hands have come in contact with the contaminates, they can spread it by touching surfaces, for example doorknob, so that when another individual comes along and touches that surface, then puts their hand into their eyes, nose or mouth, they too become infected Cold sores. Direct contact, such as kissing an individual with a cold sore, can cause it to spread. Sharing items such as dining utensils or a razor can also pass along the illness. Although symptoms can vary from person to person and even cold to cold, here are some of the most common ones for colds Runny nose, stuffy nose, coughing Congestion.
Speaker 1:Runny nose, stuffy nose, coughing Congestion, sneezing Sore, throat, minor body ache, low-grade fever. Complications of a cold can be an ear infection, asthma, sinusitis, bronchiolitis and croup. Common symptoms for cold sores include Cluster of blisters, tingling lips, oozing and crusting of the blisters. Those who are experiencing a cold sore for the first time may also have a fever, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Complications of a cold sore can be dehydration, herpes witlo, where the infection spreads to the fingers, and herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, where the infection spreads to the eyes.
Speaker 1:In general, a cold must run its course, but there are some things you can do to be comfortable while the virus is making its way out of your system. Keep hydrated. This helps combat congestion. Eat a balanced diet. Get plenty of rest. Use throat lozenges and cough drops. Nsaids for pain relief. Utilize nasal sprays. Keep moisture in the air. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Treatment for cold sores include Numb the pain with ice, nsaids, medical creams and gels, over-the-counter and prescription Essential oils lemon balm oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, chamomile oil, ginger oil.
Speaker 1:The prevention of a cold or cold sores not only benefits you but also those around you. In keeping yourself healthy, you are keeping your family, neighbors and co-workers healthy, which can help avoid the domino effect of sickness. Consider these tips to prevention For colds Eat a balanced diet to keep your immune system strong. Exercise regularly. Get enough rest and sleep. Reduce stress. Wash your hands throughout the day. Keep your hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean surfaces with alcohol-based wipes For cold sores. Build your immune system with plenty of sleep. Wear lip balm that has sunscreen in it.
Speaker 1:If you do develop a cold sore, you can easily prevent it from spreading to others by avoiding skin contact and not sharing items such as food utensils and lipstick or lip balm. Karen came to work with a cluster of blisters on her lip. When her friend and co-worker, bill, asked her what happened, she said she accidentally bit her lip and that's what resulted. Bill told Karen he wasn't for sure, but in the past his wife had similar clusters on her lip and it turned out to be a cold sore. Karen said she didn't think that was it, but she had a doctor's appointment for something else later in the afternoon, so she'd mention it to her doctor. When Karen got back from her appointment, she thanked Bill for his observation. It turns out she did have a cold sore and now knows what to do to prevent it from spreading to others.
Speaker 1:Module 5. Influenza. We will now move on to influenza and delve into how it spreads, symptoms associated with it and treatment and prevention methods. You may see some points that were mentioned in the cold and cold sores lesson, but it goes to show that similar tactics can be effective with different illnesses.
Speaker 1:The most common way influenza spreads is through airborne droplets, such as when a person coughs, sneezes or blows their nose. One can also contract the illness by touching objects previously touched by a person who has the flu and then putting their hands in their eyes, nose and mouth. However, this is not quite as common. You do not necessarily have to be close enough to a person where you are touching in order to inhale the droplets. They travel up to 6 feet away. When a person is most contagious can vary greatly. For most, it is 3-4 days after symptoms have begun. Others can infect individuals a day before symptoms occur or more than 5 days after symptoms occur. The moral of the story is you never truly know when you are contagious. So as soon as you suspect the flu, begin treatment to get onto the road to recovery.
Speaker 1:Symptoms of influenza include Fever or chills. Headache. Symptoms of influenza include fever or chills, headache, body or muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, dry or wet cough, congestion or runny nose, chest pressure, shortness of breath, swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms of the flu can be mild or severe, and can sometimes even lead to death. This is why it is important to recognize and treat the flu as soon as possible. For treating the flu itself, the best treatment is rest and drinking plenty of fluids To help lessen the intensity of some of the symptoms you may be experiencing. Consider antiviral drugs, prescription pain relievers, humidifierifier. Specific fluids that are known to help keep you hydrated when overcoming the flu are Water, coconut water, fresh juice, sports drinks, soup Broth.
Speaker 1:Of all the respiratory viruses, the flu is the only one where a vaccination is offered. You will have to weigh the risks versus the rewards to decide if it is best for you, but it is an option to help prevent you from getting the flu or at least lessen its intensity. If you do get it Risks Redness where the shot was given. Soreness where the shot was given. Headache Contracting the flu. Rewards Reduces risk of hospitalization due to the flu. Reduces other medical risks for those with chronic conditions. Lowers acute respiratory infection in pregnant women. Protects those around you. If you do get the flu, there are things you can do to help prevent the spread to others. Be fever-free for 24 hours before coming in contact with other people. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Speaker 1:Although he isn't feeling well, drew came to work so he can work on a project with a nearing deadline. Jake approached Drew and immediately told him he looked like he had the flu. Drew giggled and said he didn't know the flu. Had a certain look when Jake walked away. Drew thought to himself he was having body aches, chills, fatigue and loss of appetite and that maybe he should set up an appointment to figure out what was going on. Shortly after, jake approached Drew again and said just in case you do have the flu, be sure to drink a lot of fluids, as that will help flush the flu out of your system. Later that day, drew went to the doctor, who confirmed he was suffering from the flu. He prescribed Drew an antiviral drug and sent him on his way. Drew also took Jake's advice to drink plenty of fluids. Within several days, drew was feeling better.
Speaker 1:Module 6. Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an illness that is not contagious when caused by a fungus. However, if caused by a virus or bacteria, it is highly contagious. Let's look at the details of pneumonia. When one has a contagious form of pneumonia, it can be passed along to others when they come in contact with the infected person's mouth or from droplets formed when they cough or sneeze. Not only is the infected person contagious to others, but also to themselves. If one lung is infected, the illness can spread to various lobes of that lung and even to the lung that is not infected. If not treated in a timely manner, pneumonia can then spread to other organs and even cause death. How contagious the pneumonia is depends on the organism from which it comes. Mycobacterium and mycoplasma organisms are more contagious than pneumococcal pneumonia.
Speaker 1:The symptoms of pneumonia may start out mimicking a cold or flu, but last longer and becomes more severe. Here are some symptoms you may notice Fever and chills, wet cough, pain in the chest when coughing, pain in the chest when breathing, tiredness, shortness of breath, shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Loss of appetite. Although you may be tempted to take cough medicine to stop the cough, talk to your doctor before doing so. Coughing helps clear the lungs, which is ultimately what you are trying to do. If the cough is very bothersome, talk to your doctor to inquire about your options. Treatment includes Rest Prescribed antiviral if pneumonia is caused by a virus. Prescribed antibiotic if pneumonia is caused by a bacteria. Prescribed antifungal if pneumonia is caused by a fungus. Lots of liquids. Nsaids for pain relief. Stay away from smoke.
Speaker 1:The following includes preventative measures for viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia and fungal pneumonia. Viral pneumonia, flu vaccination. Keep hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Regularly wash your hands. Eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bacterial pneumonia Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax shots for those who meet certain conditions Prevnar 13,. Greater than or equal to 65 years old. Less than 5 years old or high risk. Pneumovax. Greater than or equal to 65 years old. Children greater than 2 years old with high risk. 19 to 64 years old who smoke or have asthma. Regularly wash your hands. Balanced diet, exercise, sufficient rest and sleep. Stop smoking. Stay away from those who are already infected with pneumonia.
Speaker 1:Fungal pneumonia Fungal pneumonia is generally seen in individuals who have a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV, aids or those who have recently had an organ transplant. Although there is no vaccine to prevent this illness, doctors can prescribe medication to those who are most likely to develop the sickness. Amy overheard Scott telling James that he has fungal pneumonia. Amy immediately spoke to her supervisor, saying Scott has the most contagious form of pneumonia and that everyone in the office will likely get sick. Amy then approached Scott, telling him the same thing she told her supervisor. Scott explained that he is being treated with an antifungal medication, has no outward symptoms and is not contagious. Amy went back to her supervisor to tell her what Scott said, but said she still doesn't believe him. The supervisor, pamela, researched fungal pneumonia and confirmed that, while Scott may be contagious to some, fungal pneumonia is not a danger to the general population.
Speaker 1:Module 7. Sore Throat and Strep Throat. Although neither a sore throat nor strep throat feel good, it is important to know the difference between the two so that proper treatment is administered in order to get better. Let's take a look at what they have in common and what's different. A sore throat can have many causes. What is causing the sore throat will determine whether or not it is contagious. Pharyngitis, more commonly known as a sore throat, can be due to a virus or bacteria. The virus can travel in the air via droplets from coughs and sneezes. It can also attach itself to the unwashed hands of a person who has come in contact with these fluids. Strep throat, group A, streptococcus, is caused by bacteria and can easily spread to others through air droplets and the sharing of food and beverages.
Speaker 1:Strep throat is more severe than a sore throat caused by a virus because, if left untreated, it can lead to complications such as a kidney disorder called glomerulonephritis or rheumatic fever. It can also cause infection in other parts of the body. With a sore throat, the most common symptom is pain when swallowing. Others include a throat that is red in color. Scratchy throat, hoarseness, red eyes, dry cough, runny or stuffy nose. Pain when swallowing at a red throat are also seen in a strep throat, but it may be more severe. Additionally, general feeling of malaise, fever, headache, body aches, enlarged tonsils, lymph nodes that are swollen and are tender.
Speaker 1:Since viral sore throats are caused by a virus, antibiotics would not be useful in treating it. Sore throats are typically treated with medications that help ease the symptoms until the virus makes its way out of the body, which is usually in a week. Some Remedies Rest Drinking a lot of water, drinking warm liquids, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, throat lozenges or sprays Gargling with salt water. Strep throat For strep throat, an antibiotic is necessary to rid the body of the bacteria that is causing this illness. Usually, within 2 to 3 days of taking the antibiotic, you will see a remarkable reduction of symptoms. Even though you may not feel any pain, it is important to take the medicine as prescribed in order to completely remove the bacteria. As with many illnesses, it may be impossible to prevent infection, but you can lessen exposure to others by doing these things.
Speaker 1:For strep throat stay out of work for at least 24 hours after starting your antibiotic. Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. Frequently wash your hands, especially after blowing nose. Keep your eating and drinking utensils in the break room separate from your co-workers. Also, thoroughly wash them. Promptly dispose of used tissues.
Speaker 1:Kayla set up an appointment with her doctor because she was experiencing a sore throat. After determining her sore throat was due to strep throat, kayla's doctor called in a prescription for an antibiotic. Kayla immediately picked up the medication and took her first dose. She then went back to work. She explained to Mary, her supervisor, that she had strep throat but was no longer contagious because she started her antibiotic. Mary explained to her that she was likely still contagious because it hadn't been 24 hours since she started taking the medicine. Kayla called her doctor and confirmed this was true. Kayla left for the rest of the day and took off the next day, so she didn't spread the illness to her co-workers.
Speaker 1:Module 8. Norovirus and Viral Gastroenteritis. I'm sure your stomach is churning just thinking about this topic, but since it is highly contagious, it must be addressed. Norovirus there are many ways this virus can spread. If you are caring for a person with the virus and accidentally ingest small particles of vomit or fecal matter, you will likely contract the illness. Coming in contact with droplets from a sneeze or cough, sharing eating utensils or even a contaminated water source can all result in you becoming infected.
Speaker 1:Gastroenteritis as previously mentioned, gastroenteritis can occur as a result of having norovirus, which means it can spread the same way. In addition, just shaking the hand of someone who has the virus on their hand and touching your mouth can cause you to get it. The symptoms of norovirus hit suddenly. You literally go from feeling fine to terrible a day after contracting the virus. Here are some symptoms to look out for Nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, fatigue. Since diarrhea is commonplace, it is important to be mindful of replenishing your fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to the symptoms previously listed, those with gastroenteritis may experience belching, gagging, fast heart rateive sweating, low urine production, weight loss.
Speaker 1:Norovirus and gastroenteritis are illnesses where there is no antiviral drug to treat it. Since it's not a bacterial infection, an antibiotic will not work. It typically goes away on its own within a couple of days. It's important to remember to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, but avoid excessively sugary drinks, as this will worsen diarrhea. Given how highly contagious norovirus and gastroenteritis are, it is easy to contract it more than once, so it's important to do everything you can to make sure you don't spread it Thoroughly.
Speaker 1:Wash hands, especially when preparing food or using the restroom. After washing hands, use disposable towels to dry them. Avoid food and water that is contaminated Using bleach and water. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated Carefully. Wash fruits and vegetables. Stay away from confined spaces. Stay away from crowded spaces. Stay out of work for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have ceased.
Speaker 1:Liz and Melissa were the first two in the office. They talked about how each was doing and what their plans were for after work. Liz said she was doing okay but thought she'd go home after work and relax. She went on to say that her stomach was hurting and she wondered if she contracted norovirus from her brother who was recently sick with it. She explained the symptoms she had. Melissa advised Liz to go to the doctor and see if that was what was going on. Liz said she didn't want to go to the doctor and figured just as long as she doesn't overexert herself at work, she'd be fine. Melissa suggested that Liz visit a credible website online to see if that was all Liz needed to do. Liz went online and read that there is no cure for norovirus and that it is very contagious. This information encouraged Liz to make the decision to go home to make sure she didn't get others sick.
Speaker 1:Module 9. Keeping your office clean. Keeping the office clean is an important step to preventing the initial infection and subsequent spread of an illness. This is a team effort in which all will reap the benefits. When most people think of dust, they don't realize that it consists of dead skin cells which have the ability to transmit illness. People typically dust what's in front of them their desk, computer and phone. They don't think about less obvious areas that are harboring the dust that can eventually make them sick. When we say less obvious areas, think bookshelves, window ledges and heating and cooling vents. Use these tips for effective dusting. Use a damp microfiber cloth instead of a feather duster for surfaces such as desk, window ledges and bookshelf. Feather dusters spread the dust rather than clean it. Utilize a vacuum with an attachment to clean the inside of vents. A damp cloth will clean the outside vent surface.
Speaker 1:Hepa stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters are designed to trap 99.97% of 0.3 micron particles seized. The particles include viruses and bacteria, among other things. Hepa filters work by trapping particles in three ways Impact when particles directly touch the filter's fibers, they stick to the filter Intercept. When particles are very close to the filter's fibers, they stick to the filter Intercept. When particles are very close to the filter's fibers, they stick to the filter. Diffuse when the particles flow through the filter's fibers, they come in contact with gas molecules that allow for impaction or interception. Keep in mind that HEPA filters can be expensive, so you must carefully weigh the rewards against your budget, if you are able to afford one. They can go a long way in preventing sicknesses in the workplace.
Speaker 1:Regularly cleaning surfaces with a chemical such as bleach is an easy and cost-effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Use the instructions on the product you are using to properly disinfect. Disinfecting surfaces should be a daily practice, but during the peak of illnesses such as the cold and flu season, these efforts should be made more frequently. This may go without saying, but after disinfecting, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Some items that should be disinfected are phone desk, computer, keyboard, pen holder, door knobs, restrooms, toilet handle, stall door handle, faucets, break rooms, tables, sinks, counters, refrigerator, other appliances, trash cans. Many companies have a cleaning staff or contract with a third-party cleaning company to ensure their office is cleaned each night. Having said this, daily trash disposal is usually something that's done as part of the nightly duties. However, in some cases, it's not done every night. During the height of winter and early spring illnesses, it is important to make sure it is done, since it will likely be filled with used tissues. In addition, trash cans should be disinfected. The winter season is about to begin, so Greg thought it would be a good idea to hold a meeting for all employees on how to keep the office clean to help prevent the spread of germs. In the meeting he reminded everyone to put their trash cans in a visible place, so the cleaning staff is sure to remove the trash each night and disinfect the cans. Amanda, a new employee, raised her hand to say that as long as the trash in the cans is disposed of each night, it is not necessary to disinfect the cans. Greg gently told Amanda that disposing of the trash is step one, but the added step of disinfecting the cans is necessary because viruses and bacteria on them can still spread to humans. Amanda said she had no idea that was the case and thanked Greg for explaining that to her.
Speaker 1:Module 10. Stay or go home. No one wants to miss out on productivity or making money. As quoted. It's simple If you're sick, stay home or go home. If you become sick in the middle of the day, the reality is as much as you want to, you will not be productive. Additionally, you are not giving your body the rest it needs in order to recover. Plus, you are putting others at risk of getting sick when an epidemic breaks out in the workplace. The company wants to do everything it can to make the hurdle as painless as possible. Some employees have paid time off from the general benefits package and would gladly stay home in order to recover. Others may not have the time and cannot afford to go without pay. What should the company do? Although it is not required by law, it shows goodwill for a company to allow employees to miss work due to this extenuating circumstance and not miss pay. Employees may be required to provide a note from their doctor stating that they have been diagnosed with a highly contagious illness. How many days they will be paid is up to the company, but as a guide, they should be paid the number of days that, according to the CDC, the employee is likely to be contagious.
Speaker 1:You come to work feeling great. Then, all of a sudden, you feel like you were hit with a ton of bricks. It's not like you to feel this way, and there are several people in the cubicles surrounding you. You want to go home, but know you have used all of your vacation days and sick days and you'll likely not get paid for the time you're missing. What do you do? Well, if you work for a company that truly values its employees and understands that keeping sick workers in the office is less beneficial than sending them home, you will be offered the opportunity to leave work early and still receive that full day's pay.
Speaker 1:Due to the size of the company or other factors, maybe a company is unable to offer a full or partial day off with pay. In that case, offering alternative work days may be an option. For example, joan Michael and Betty miss work on Tuesday because of the flu. They are prescribed an antibiotic and soon after begin feeling well enough to go back to work. The office is usually only open Monday to Friday, but management is willing to open the office on Saturday so they can make up the time they missed. The employees take off the time necessary to get better and work their typical 40-hour schedule.
Speaker 1:Working from home seems like the best way to get better and work their typical 40-hour schedule. Working from home seems like the best way to get work done while self-quarantining. Keep in mind that working from home should only be done if you are well enough to work but still may be contagious. You don't want to be very ill and push your body to work. Not only will you not get much done, but you'll also prolong the sickness by not giving your body the rest it needs to recover. When working from home, you want to ensure you have access to the same resources you'd have in the office. Some of these include Quiet space, internet service, Phone service, hard copy documents, if applicable, printer and scanner. Brett called into his supervisor, chad, to let him know he was homesick. Brett said he didn't want to get anyone else sick. That's why he stayed home, but he couldn't afford to lose pay for that day. Plus, he wanted to finish the project he was working on. Chad told Brett that he had two options he could take a paid day off, which would allow him to not lose income, or he could work from home, which would allow him to get paid and finish the project he was working on. Brett thanked Chad for his flexibility and decided to go with the latter option.
Speaker 1:Module 11. Emergency Response Plan ERP. Don't wait until an urgent situation happens before addressing it. Creating training, implementing and evaluating your emergency response plan makes you and your company ready in case of a health crisis. The global pandemic has turned our world upside down and has left government officials scrambling to make provision for everyone. Some responses have been better than others, but all in all, we have been united by something that was unforeseen for the most part, and are doing the best we can with the challenges we face. Your ERP should be written in a concise, easy-to-understand manner and distributed to all employees. This should be done before winter arrives, so you are prepared for an epidemic. If your company is required to follow the standards of OSHA, be sure your ERP does as well. There are many topics to be included in the ERP, depending on your business needs, but here are some areas to focus your plan Business Continuity there should be a business continuity coordinator in place to implement and respond to any questions or issues that may arise during the implementation phase.
Speaker 1:Create a strategy of how business will continue in the face of an epidemic. Decide what business activities are essential and who will complete these duties. If those who are typically responsible for accomplishing these tasks are sick, do you have in place another individual or team of individuals who are qualified to do it? In addition to the human resources, do you have the physical resources, for example, supplies needed to be productive? Taking sick days Under normal circumstances, employees are given be productive.
Speaker 1:Taking sick days Under normal circumstances, employees are given a certain number of paid days off, usually, if the employee no longer has paid time off or decides not to use it, they will come into work. In the case of a widespread illness, you do not want sick employees to make the choice of coming into the office because they fear loss of compensation for that day. Outline how many additional paid days employees are allowed. Keep in mind the general guidelines of when a person is no longer contagious. There should be a policy for employees to go home early but not lose compensation if they get sick during the work day. Working from home To keep business as close to normal as possible. Where duties allow it, employees should be given the opportunity to work from home while they are contagious. Of course this is providing the employee is well enough to be productive but still may be contagious. This is a win-win situation. Neither the company nor employee loses output or money. This is especially helpful if it is decided to be in the best interest of everyone for the office to temporarily close.
Speaker 1:Education of proper hygiene and preventing the spread of illness. Depending on the type of illness, there are many hygiene and prevention tips to be considered. Some of the more common ones are as follows Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water when sneezing or coughing, do it into your arm, not your hands. Keep your hands away from your face. Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses or cosmetics. Do not touch tissues after someone else has used them. If you are using tissues, dispose of them promptly after use. Regularly disinfect office space, restrooms and common areas. Get vaccinations where appropriate. A note about COVID. In addition to the previous hygiene and preventative tactics, the wearing of face masks in North America is a recommended protective measure implemented by governing authorities and medical professionals.
Speaker 1:Information sharing systems, whether via text, email, phone or some other electronic means. It is important for employees to have a way to get up-to-date information on the state of the company regarding illness and what actions they should take. Conduct training for all employees so you can thoroughly explain what's in the ERP, as well as allow for questions, suggestions and feedback Once the training is complete. Require employees to sign a form that states they understand and will follow the policy. Human resources and or the employee's supervisor should have an electronic and hard copy. The employee should also be provided with a copy when conducting the training. Set an approachable but authoritative tone. Be clear. Be succinct. Provide multiple learning channels, for example, individual or small group, in person and online.
Speaker 1:One of the most effective times to evaluate an ERP is after it has been used. What went right? What went wrong? What was the overall outcome of using the plan? Was it positive or negative? Is there anything that can be done to make it more effective? Even if you haven't used your plan, there is still a way to assess whether or not it is likely to be successful. How Get feedback from others? The saying goes, two heads are better than one. Even with the greatest attempt to make sure all bases are covered, it is still possible to leave out key elements of the ERP. Here are some ways to evaluate the plan even though it hasn't been used Meet with key staff members after the plan has been developed and get their input. Contact the head of organizations that have utilized an ERP and discuss what worked for them Via a survey. Reach out to all employees and solicit their ideas of what a successful ERP looks like.
Speaker 1:Once you have evaluated your ERP, you will be able to determine whether or not revisions need to be made. If not, congratulations. But most likely you will need to make some changes, even if they are minor. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. After the changes have been made, you must provide employees with a written copy of the changes. Additionally, you may need to hold another training session for employees and allow them to sign another form of acknowledgement and agreement to abide by the changes.
Speaker 1:Erica's team has finished developing their company's ERP. Erica talks to Todd about facilitating the training that will go over the elements in the ERP. Todd is hesitant to take on this responsibility because, after reviewing the ERP himself, he does not feel it covers all of the important aspects of an ERP. Erica explained that after conducting the training, todd can ask employees for their feedback and if they feel other topics should be addressed, she will then take that information to her team and converse about whether or not that information should be added. If it is determined that the information is crucial, the ERP will be revised. Todd felt comfortable with that and agreed to oversee the training Module 12.
Speaker 1:Wrapping up Although this workshop is coming to a close, we hope that your journey to learning about office health and safety is just beginning. We wish you the best of luck on the rest of your travels. Words from the wise Jess C Scott A fit, healthy body. That is the best fashion statement. Winston S Churchill Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the first wealth is health. Karen Calabrese, if you don't take care of this, the most magnificent machine that you will ever be given, where are you going to live? Amit Kalantri, health is hearty, health is harmony, health is happiness.
