Safety signs and contingency plans required for swine flu wave two
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Healthcare Health and Safety |
General Health and Safety |
British businesses have been warned not to take down any
safety signs relating to swine flu just yet.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), a second wave of the virus could be set to hit the nation before winter sets in.
It suggested companies should take steps to protect their future, with senior public policy advisor Ben Willmott explaining firms should look at the activities they need to ensure can still operate to keep the business fuctioning.
Aside from preventative measures like
safety signs and equipment, he believes enterprises should take a proactive approach by conducting a staff skills assessment.
"Identify the key staff and staff with transferable skills who can adapt and fill in for absent colleagues," he said, adding this could help identify areas where cross-training is required.
Mr Willmott went on to say businesses might have to invest in extra health and safety training and equipment - such as
hearing protection,
safety boots and
Hi Vis workwear - if employees are being asked to carry out multiple roles.
The Health Protection Agency has estimated there were around 4,500 cases of swine flu in England in the last week.
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