Swine Flu Could Cause Great Economic Loss
An epidemic like swine flu will not only burden the health sector but will also cause damage to economy by reducing the amount of available and effective workforce. UK is on the brink of suffering this damage considering certain experts have predicted that more than 30% of the UK population could fall victim to this disease in the next six to nine months.
This will lead to a large part of the workforce being absent and thus non-optimal utilisation of resources, causing loss to the tune of £1.5bn per day for the overall economy. The companies and the economy as a whole cannot afford this loss as they are already suffering from the economic meltdown.
Thus, it becomes important for the companies to estimate the loss that they could suffer and cut down on the risks. William O’Neill of Rowlands Solicitors has suggested some measures that the companies should take in such a situation. His suggestions include both prevention of spread of the disease and remedies to be taken if the disease does strike.
He advises that by implementing cleanliness and personal hygiene among the workers, companies could ensure that the employees are shielded from the disease. He also suggests wearing of masks, but cautions that its benefits are yet to be proven.
However, the employers should understand that the disease can still strike and thus the workers should be aware of the recognizable signs of the disease and seek medical help as and when needed. The employers should give them sick leave when they are found to be suffering from swine flu. While this will reduce the available workforce, it will also ensure that the disease does not spread among other workers. It is important to keep potentially infected people away from contact with others.
In case of a spread, if the employer needs people to work, modern technologies like the internet should be used and the employees should be asked to minimise work that requires them to come in direct contact with others. This will help in containing further spread of the disease.
All staff and management must be fully aware of and comply with health and safety regulations as laid down by law. Find out about the range of cdm training available from the experts at Workplace Law Training.
