The Federal Government has requested Printing Industries to distribute information kits aimed at promoting business continuity in the event of a human influenza pandemic occur
The Federal Government has made a request to Printing Industries to distribute information kits aimed at promoting business continuity, should a potential human influenza pandemic occur. The kits, given to all industry associations throughout Australia, in June this year, provide information for the benefit of association members and are part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to prepare Australia for any potential pandemic.
Since the outbreak of SARs in Asia, and more recently the Bird Flu that swept through Asia and Europe this year, there have been calls for the Federal Government to develop a plan to deal with a similar outbreak should it occur in Australia.
So far, Australia has been fortunate enough to be free of both of these diseases. However, the Government has reacted accordingly, stockpiling supplies of the drug Tamiflu and developing strategies to ensure that the most appropriate course of action is taken, should a human influenza pandemic occur on home soil.
Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey, says while it is difficult to predict when a pandemic would occur, appropriate plans to minimise the impact and promote economic recovery, were essential for businesses, in the event of such a catastrophe.
“Planning for a pandemic presents new challenges for Australian businesses, because a pandemic will not be like any disaster we have experienced in recent times,” she says.
“A pandemic will arise rapidly, spread quickly and likely come in waves, each of which may last for months. Should this occur, many Australians would become very ill, and regrettably, some would die,” says Bailey.
The kits for printing industries’ members, will contain an introductory handbook, and a series of workplace health posters on cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene, hand washing, using protective gloves, fitting and removing surgical masks, travel health and a staff influenza advisory notice.
The kit will also contain a Pandemic Planning Checklist, complete with reference sheets including a pandemic planning checklist, as well as procedures and advice on workplace cleaning products to minimise the spread of disease.
The kits are available free of charge courtesy of Printing Industries.
