Posted by: admin in workplace air testing, Swine Flu, healthy air, health friendly air, H1N1 on Aug 13, 2009
Ireland, Dublin: The health friendly air division of Allergy Standards Group, an international healthcare testing and certification company based in Dublin has developed a unique 3 step approach to manage the spread of Swine flu (H1N1) within the workplace.
Swine flu (H1N1) is currently at pandemic level in Ireland and The Department of Health has warned that up to 1m people could become infected with swine flu in Ireland over this autumn and winter.
With some reports suggesting that at its peak 75 % of the workforce could be absent, employers must put measures in place now to the keep their businesses operational this winter. These business measures should include putting contingency plans in place for home working and video conferencing, retraining of staff to cover key positions and reviewing/ updating HR policies such as sickness absence, flexible working and travel.
The health friendly air response is a health based approach and is delivered in conjunction with an organisations business control measures. The approach manages disease preparedness and spread containment of the virus through the 3 core principles of Communicate, Clean and Ventilate.
In response to the key sources of transmission of the influenza virus, the health friendly air's group of doctors, microbiologists, indoor air and occupational health experts has developed a best practice plan for communication, hygiene, cleaning and ventilation within the workplace. It is a plan that aims to manage the spread of the virus in the workplace and so reduce sickness absence, liability risk and help maintain essential operations. The service is delivered by specialist practitioners.
Dr Angela Southey (PhD Biochemistry and Technical Manager for health friendly air) said: "The key source of transmission of the influenza virus is via person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing and this can be exacerbated in workplaces with inadequate ventilation. Transmission also occurs via contact with droplet-contaminated surfaces and the subsequent transfer to mouth, nose or eyes. A combination of best practice hygiene measures within the team, and an effective cleaning plan and ventilation levels are all crucial elements in minimising infection spread".
Employment law experts agree that employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees and must take steps to ensure employees' health is not put at risk unnecessarily.
About Allergy Standards Consulting
Allergy Standards Consulting Limited (ASC) is part of the Allergy Standards Group, an international healthcare testing and certification organisation established by a group of Irish doctors in 2002 who have made it their mission to assist individuals to achieve optimum health through the air they breathe. It also has offices in the US and Canada.
Allergy Standards Group has also devised a range of global certification standards for many consumer products which have been rigorously tested to determine their suitability for people with asthma and allergies. The asthma and allergy friendly certification mark was initially developed and launched in the US by Allergy Standards in partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the largest patient advocacy group of its kind in the US.
Current clients come from the electronics, bedding and toy sectors and include Dyson, LG and Hollander bedding. Certified bedding and toy products are available from Wal-Mart, JC Penney, Targets and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Allergy Standards Consulting devised the health friendly air programme in 2007 which operates specialist, health based indoor air testing and consultancy services for workplaces, homes, hospitals, schools and retail outlets. Visit the website: www.healthfriendlyair.com
Media Queries:
Caitriona O Donovan
Programme Manager
health friendly airTM programme
Allergy Standards Consulting Ltd
The Tower, Trinity Enterprise Campus, Grand Canal Quay,
Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: + 353 1 6336821
Mobile: 087 9238394
Fax: + 353 1 6729846
E: codonovan@healthfriendlyair.com
www.healthfriendlyair.com/swineflu