Flu season can strike a workplace hard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists steps employers can take to help minimize the spread of flu:
- Take proper care of personal protective equipment, regularly replacing disposable PPE, and properly cleaning and disinfecting reusable equipment.
- Remember protective behaviors such as proper handwashing; cough etiquette; and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to minimize using one another’s work tools, desks, phones or computers.
- When meetings are necessary, ensure the meeting space is properly ventilated and that workers are not required to be within 6 feet of one another.
- Limit unnecessary visitors in the workplace.
- You are encouraged to get a seasonal influenza vaccination. We will have details on availability.
OSHA offers additional recommendations for workers:
- Stay home when sick.
- Avoid shaking hands, and always wash your hands after physical contact with others.
- If wearing gloves, wash your hands after removing them.
- Practice a healthy lifestyle. Get adequate rest, follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to help maintain physical and emotional health.