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A pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of a communicable disease that affects a large proportion of the population. Concerns exist that a pandemic involving the H1N1 influenza virus will occur, with symptoms differing from the seasonal influenza or common cold.
Pandemic influenza presents a new biological hazard into the workplace. Health Canada estimates that companies could experience at least 20-25% work absenteeism during pandemic influenza.[1] Your overall workplace hazard assessment must consider the influenza virus and shortages in operational and safety critical functions due to the anticipated increased absenteeism.
PSAC and its member companies, as part of a Pandemic Planning Subcommittee, have developed a number of sample policies, tools and resources for you to develop strategies to prepare and respond to a pandemic and preserve the health and safety of your workers. Use some or all of the resources and tailor them to the needs of your organization.
PSAC would like to acknowledge the time and efforts of the following individuals and companies in developing and providing these materials
- Jill Symonds, Baker Hughes Canada- Joni Tymensen, CCS Corporation- Daniel Briere, Flint Energy Services - Leslie MacElwain, GASFRAC Energy Services - Jade Iluk, Integrated Production Services- Todd den Engelsen, Lonkar Services Ltd.- Dawn Korkie, Sanjel Corporation- Jace Olson, Sanjel Corporation- Darlene Conlon, Trican Well Service Ltd.
This page is a work in progress, so if you have any materials to add, send them to PSAC at
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New! Letter from Alberta Health and Wellness to Employers to Suspend Requirement for Physician's Notes
[1] Best Practice Guideline for Workplace Health & Safety During Pandemic Influenza, Government of Alberta, 2009.
Tools & Resources
Recommended Minimum Requirements for Pandemic Planning PolicySick Leave / Absence Management PoliciesContingency PlansCommunications Policies / PracticesRelated Forms
Legislation
- Alberta Workplace Health & Safety Responsibilities – Summary of OHS Act Legislated Requirements
- Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code
Tools to Get Started
Framework Scope
Influenza Planning Policy
Pandemic Preparedness Checklist
Pandemic Influenza Business Checklist (Alberta Health Services)
Sample Absence Management Policies
Communications Policy
Managing Employees Who Become Ill at Work
Refusal to Work
Return to Work
Sending Employees Home
Sick Leave Policy
When Employees Should Not Report to Work
Contingency Planning
Maintaining Essential Business Operations
Maintaining Essential Business Operations Worksheet
Business Continuity Planning Template (Excel spreadsheet)
Business Continuity Planning Template – Accompanying Questions
Emergency Response Plan Template (Excel spreadsheet)
Additional Policies for Consideration
Alternative Schedules & Telecommuting
Closure of the Workplace
Employee Travel
Pandemic Influenza Pay Continuance
Post Pandemic Influenza Recovery Processes
Restricting Workplace Entry of People with Influenza Symptoms
Social Distancing
Workplace Cleaning
Related Forms
Contact List
H1N1 Self-Assessment Questionnaire
Influenza Notice
Notification Form: Suspected Influenza Case at Work
Safety Alert: Facts on the H1N1 Influenza Virus
Safety Alert: Facts on Influenza
Screening Checklist for Detection & Management of Suspected Pandemic Influenza Cases
Summary of Influenza Protection Measures
Symptoms Chart
Additional Resources / References
Pandemic Planning – Generic Presentation (PowerPoint)
Pandemic Influenza Guidelines - Memo to Staff
Third Party Support During a Pandemic - Items for Consideration
Provincial
Alberta Health Services - Influenza Assessment Clinic (Calgary)
Alberta Health Services - Influenza Assessment Clinic (Edmonton)
Alberta Health Services – Pandemic H1N1 (2009)
Alberta Health Services – Alberta’s Plan for Pandemic Influenza
Best Practice Guideline for Workplace Health & Safety During Pandemic Influenza
Calgary Health Region – Quick Facts About Pandemic Influenza
Calgary Health Region – Pandemic Influenza: A Planning Guide for Businesses
Pandemic and your Business – Are You Ready? Information Sheet
Government of Alberta Flu Watch – Track the Number of H1N1 Cases in Alberta
Government of Alberta – H1N1 Influenza Virus
Government of Alberta – Pandemic What If? Questions & Answers Related to Work
Workers Compensation Board - H1N1 Fact Sheet for Employers
Workers Compensation Board - H1N1 Fact Sheet for Workers
National
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Business Continuity Plan for Infectious Diseases
Public Health Agency of Canada
International
U.S. Centre for Disease Control – Guidance for Business and Employers to Plan and Respond to the 2009-2010 Influenza Season
World Health Organization Pandemic H1N1 (2009) Information
World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Phases
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