http://event.meetingstream.com/r.htm?e=169809&s=1&k=15FE0B64264B72FD9642A3FC17D1E83B
*Please note that for optimal viewing, it is best not to use VPN, but instead to connect directly to the Internet.*
This event is being web cast. It is recommended that you listen via the web cast stream, but if you do not have PC speakers, you can listen to the audio via the telephone by calling:
*1-888-300-0053 (US/Canada)*
*(647) 427-3420 (International)*
Please give the operator the following *CONFERENCE ID NUMBER: 34995816*
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The webinar: HR Issues and Pandemic Planning will be held on:
Date: Monday Oct. 26th
Time: 11:00 CDT
Duration: 60 minutes
*To pre-register, e-mail **pandemic@icid.com* <mailto:pandemic@icid.com>
This initiative was made possible thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Also please note the following release regarding the ICID's Web site and business preparedness...
October 12, 2009 - For Immediate Release
International Centre for Infectious Diseases and Canadian Chamber of Commerce Launch Businessfluplan.ca
Web site, Webinars and Cross-Country Seminars will help Businesses with 500 Employees and under Plan for the Economic Impact of a Pandemic
WINNIPEG - The International Centre for Infectious Diseases (ICID) and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are providing free tools to help small and medium-sized businesses plan for the economic effects of a pandemic.
While there are serious concerns about the health impacts of a pandemic, the potential economic impact is also a concern. The 2003 SARS crisis started with a single infected person entering Canada, but resulted in 44 deaths and $1.5-billion in economic losses for Canada. In Mexico this spring, thousands of businesses closed their doors for good after the H1N1 outbreak.
To help small and medium-sized businesses plan, ICID and the Chamber have created:
• A Web site, Businessfluplan.ca, which will feature online planning tools for small business, Q & A with advice from health and business experts, and current information on the pandemic as it progresses. A French-language website will be launched shortly
• Seminars will be delivered in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Vancouver, Fredericton, Charlottetown, St. John’s (NF), Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Montreal, Quebec City and Brandon. http://www.businessfluplan.ca/news-archive/article/2/sme-pandemic-planning-seminars
• “Webinars” on pandemic business planning in both English and French.
Because more of the population gets sick with the pandemic influenza, absenteeism rates may increase up to 20 - 25% or higher, with workers off sick or caring for loved ones. Staying home if you are sick is a simple and obvious way of preventing the spread of flu, but it can create a dilemma for businesses without sick benefits, and for workers who don’t get paid if they don’t work.
“Business owners need to decide whether paying someone who is sick to stay home will be a net benefit to their business,” said Heather Medwick, Acting President and CEO of ICID. “Businesses should also ask themselves, ‘What part of my business do I have to keep running, and what can I put on hold?’ and make sure they have people to fill in for key positions if employees can’t make it to work.”
The Pandemic Business Planning initiative came about when studies showed that small- and medium-sized enterprises (500 employees and fewer) were not engaged in pandemic planning the way larger businesses were. ICID developed the site specifically to cater to needs of small business. This initiative was made possible thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
BACKGROUNDER - PANDEMIC FLU and BUSINESS PREPARATION
Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu: What’s the Difference?
• For most people, if they get sick with H1N1 influenza, it will feel the same as regular “seasonal” flu.
• A “Pandemic” influenza is different from seasonal influenza because fewer people are immune to it, so more people get sick, and more people may die from it.
Economic Impact Spreads Far Beyond the Health Impact
• Many more people may be off work, either sick or caring for loved ones.
• People may be afraid to gather in public or use your business for fear of getting sick
• Because a pandemic may last for weeks or months, the business disruption can be long-lasting.
Disease Outbreaks: Examples of Economic Impact in Canada
SARS - Toronto, 2003
• One person arrived in Canada infected with SARS
• 44 Canadians died
• Toronto’s losses: $30-million a day
• Canada’s economy lost $1.5 billion
Public Behaviour Changes During a Pandemic
A pandemic can result in:
• A disruption to business that may last weeks or months.
• The pandemic may ease, then return in second and third “waves” which may be more severe, causing more absenteeism
• In severe conditions, there may be restrictions on public gatherings, including transit
How Could a Pandemic Affect Your Business?
• Customers may not go out in public for fear of infection
• Suppliers may be unable to deliver because of the impact on their own business
• Employee absenteeism up to 20 - 25% or higher, due to illness and the need to provide care.
What can I do to prevent infection at work?
• Wash hands often. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands with soap and water
• Cough and sneeze into your arm, instead of your hand
• If you are sick, stay home until your symptoms are gone and you feel well enough to participate in all activities
• If you get flu-like symptoms and are pregnant, have underlying health problems or if your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider.
• Keep common surfaces disinfected, including shared equipment. Wipe equipment clean when it changes hands.
• Remove items in common areas - like bowls of candy
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle (eating right, exercising, getting proper rest and taking time to relax)
During a Pandemic
• Public health officials may recommend keeping your distance, especially if your everyday work requires contact with many members of the public.
• “Social Distancing” also applies to the workplace: consider having meetings by phone instead of in person.