The Humboldt Builders’ Exchange Safety and Insurance Committee provide the following safety topic as a service to its members. These instructions do not

supersede local, state or federal regulations.

Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)

Provided by State Compensation Insurance Fund

In response to the growing number of confirmed cases of Swine Influenza A (swine flu) in the United States and internationally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration.  A worldwide pandemic alert has also been raised by the World Health Organization.

To protect California workers and businesses, State Fund advises employers to educate their employees about swine flu facts, symptoms, and preventative measures and to prepare their business operations should a pandemic outbreak significantly reduce their workforce or disrupt their business operation. 

Facts About Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses (H1N1).  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of swine flu in humans have most commonly occurred after close proximity to infected pigs.  Human-to-human transmission of swine flu is thought to occur the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus.  People may become infected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.  Swine flu viruses are not known to be transmitted by eating foods such as properly handled and cooked pork or pork products. 

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Symptoms of swine flu in people are no different from symptoms of other human flu viruses.  People infected with swine flu have fever (often high), cough, body aches, headaches, fatigue and runny or stuffy nose.  Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.  If you suspect you may have been exposed to or contracted Swine flu, see your doctor for advice and treatment.  To confirm a swine flu diagnosis, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be sent to an authorized laboratory for testing. 

Preventative Measures for Swine Flu

¨ The CDC recommends that all individuals wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their face, cover their nose and mouth when sneezing, and staying home when sick.  Everyday actions include:

¨ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash after use.

¨ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze (alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective)

¨ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth which spreads the flu virus germs

¨ If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting others

Business Preparation Resources

State Fund’s Loss Control Bulletin, “Preparing for a Pandemic Flu” recommends that businesses circulate a company hygiene policy; establish policies for exposed or infected employees; and create an infection control response and notification plan.  Companies should also develop contingency plans for each business location and identify essential employees and critical raw materials, suppliers, sub-contractors, transporters, customers, and other logistics that can keep the business functioning. Contact your regional State Fund office to obtain copies of precautionary safety sheets available in English and Spanish (Standard Precautions, Airborne Precautions, Contact Precautions, and Droplet Precautions). For more information about swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/

The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards                                                                                                  

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