Modern Technology Could Prevent Spread of Swine Flu in Workplaces
The employers need to ensure that the epidemic of swine flu does not cause them too much loss. If the epidemic strikes, the UK economy will suffer a loss of £1.5bn every day, which could cripple the already struggling economy.
Though recently swine flu has not been in the news, many experts expect it to become widespread soon. Thus, organisations have to put in efforts to protect themselves from the adverse effect of the workers being unwell and hence absent.
The severity of the situation is reflected in the fact that many experts believe that in the next half a year, more than one third of the population of the UK may fall ill due to swine flu turning into a pandemic.
Rowlands Solicitors have offered some advice for the employers on the issue. William O’Neill from the organisation was quoted as saying that the companies will have to balance optimum utilisation of their resources and at the same time, they need to ensure that the employees do not fall prey to swine flu.
The employers should allow the workers to function from home or without much contact with other people. This will ensure that the disease does not spread. They can use modern means like broadband, video-conferencing etc to ensure that no loss is caused due to workers falling victim to the disease.
The employers have a duty to weigh up the risks and take measures accordingly. The measures should include proper hygiene for workers and cleanliness in the office premises so that the disease does not spread in the office itself.
However, it could also strike from outside the office, in which case the owners should take measures to inform the workers regarding the signs of the disease. They should also be encouraged to see doctors when they show any symptoms of swine flu, and should be allowed to take sick leave.
Make sure that your company is not in the dark when it comes to new health and safety regulations. The other way to keep up-to-date is to make sure that you take advantage of the coshh training services operated by reputable companies such as Workplace Law Training.
