Employer Advice
Plan for the Pandemic
The HSE has now moved into the treatment phase rather than managing the containment of the spread of this
pandemic. Thus, the HSE is no longer engaging in contact tracing or offering preventative medications in the
workplace as is done for certain other infectious diseases such as for example TB or bacterial meningitis.
Household or work contacts of infected cases are not being excluded from the workplace.
Currently, children, at risk adults, persons over 65 and healthcare workers are being specifically
targeted by HSE for H1N1 vaccination. Healthy adults are now also being advised to receive the vaccine, either
through HSE Mass Vaccination Clinics, through their GP or in some instances through their occupational health
department where resources permit.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment/Forfas have produced a guidance document on business
continuity planning for employers, and the UK Faculty of Occupational Medicine have also produced guidance
(available on Downloads section of this website).
The Following FAQ's may be of help to employers.
What Can I Do To Keep My Staff Healthy?
Minimising the spread of influenza within the workplace is the first and most important step.
Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette are key measures everyone should use at all times to prevent the
transmission of respiratory infections. These measures include when coughing and sneezing:
- Turn your head away from other people
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose
- Place the used tissue in a waste bin
Wash hands after disposing of a tissue with soap and water, or alcohol based hand cleaners if hand
washing facilities are not available. Accommodation sections need to ensure that there are adequate
supplies of soap/disposable hand towels/alcohol based hand cleaners etc in the workplace.
Consideration may also have to be given to social isolation measures, such as only holding meetings that
are essential, teleconferencing and increased working from home (where management consider this operationally
possible and feasible).
What Happens If An Employee Becomes Unwell?
If your employee starts to develop influenza-like symptoms they should be advised to:
- Leave work and/or stay at home to avoid spreading infection to others.
- If necessary, contact their GP / family doctor by phone to explain the situation or phone the HSE
Flu Information line Freephone 1800 94 11 00.
If One Of My Employees Has A Family Member Who Is Being Treated For Influenza A(H1N1), Does The
Employee Need To Stay At Home?
If your employee is well, then they do not need to stay at home, but should seek advice immediately if
he/she develops any symptoms of influenza.
What Happens If An Employee Has Influenza A (H1N1)?
The sick employee will be advised to remain off work for approximately 7 days.
If Someone Is Sick In An Open Plan Office, What Should I Do?
If one of your employees becomes ill and develops Influenza A (H1N1), other staff members should remain
vigilant and self-monitor for any flu-like symptoms. Management may consider informing other staff in that work
area for information purposes, whilst doing everything reasonably possible to protect the confidentiality of
the individual. Whilst there is no specific workplace intervention required for pregnant women/persons in high risk groups, as
per advice for general public, pregnant women/persons in high risk groups who develop influenza like symptoms should seek medical
advice.
Do Special Civil Service Sick Pay Arrangements Exist For Influenza?
The advice from the Personnel & Remuneration Division in the Department of Finance is that current sick
leave arrangements remain in place.
Should We Provide Alcohol Based Handwashes In Our Workplace?
Provided there are adequate and accessible handwashing facilities available, you do not need to provide
alcohol based handwashes as well. However, you may consider offering alcohol based handwashes at entrances to
workplaces, or locations that do not have accessible handwashing facilities. Handwashing with soap and water (
either hot or cold) for 20 or more seconds that creates a lather is equally or more effective than alcohol
based handwashes.
How Long Can The H1N1 Virus Survive on Surfaces?
The H1N1 flu virus can live outside the body on hard surfaces, such as stainless steel and plastic, for up
to 24 hours and on soft surfaces, such as cloth, paper and tissues for a much shorter period. However, it can
only infect a person for up to two to eight hours after being deposited on hard surface, and for up to a few
minutes after being deposited on soft surfaces.
Are Face Masks Necessary?
No. Outside of a healthcare setting, face masks are not necessary in the workplace. Persons caring for an
infected person at home may consider facemasks.