Swine flu (A/H1N1) cases have now been reported in all 50 states, with the total number of reported cases in the U.S. at 10,053. Estimates of the number of people infected worldwide have now surpassed 200,000 cases. Experts anticipate that new cases will continue to emerge. To date, the infections in the U.S. have been mild and recovery fairly quick, typical for seasonal flu; however, this strain started late in the flu season, which made it unusual. Work has begun on a swine flu virus vaccine with hopes that it will be ready for the Fall flu season depending on continued spread of the disease as well as ensuring a safe and effective vaccine.

The symptoms of A/H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of the more common seasonal human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with this influenza strain. This strain is thought to spread similar to other flu viruses mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Calling it swine flu is confusing because it is not a swine problem, but a human problem.

So was it all hype? Experts say absolutely not; staying on top of this outbreak is essential in case the virus mutates, becomes resistant, or is more easily spread among people. The concern is based on past history of flu epidemics.

What does it mean for you? Stay informed. Use the websites posted below which are updated regularly as information becomes available. Also, review your pandemic policy and communicate information reminders to employees. Please contact us if we can be of assistance.

Here are reliable information sites about the swine flu.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), http://www.cdc.gov/ Swine flu information.

World Health Organization (WHO) cases reported http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

The National Institute of Occupational Safety Health’s (NIOSH) established Essential Elements as part of their WorkLife Initiative. The comprehensive approach is intended to reduce hazards, prevent injuries and promote employee health and well-being. The Elements form the framework necessary to create a culture for business success and employee well-being. The twenty components are divided into four critical areas that probably sound familiar to companies already striving to create effective programs. The areas include,

Organizational Culture and Leadership (a ‘human centered’ and participatory approach),

Program Design (tailored, consistent, integrated),

Program Implementation and Resources (strategic, adequate, accountable), and

Program Evaluation (measure, analyze and learn).

Safety and wellness programs that focus mainly on individual behavior change cannot succeed, and result in a culture of blame, shame and guilt. It is time to include broader issues in order to be successful, for not only employee safety and wellness, but for organizational health as well. The way to achieve organizational health is through effective health and safety initiatives based on the above elements.

Since its first test sites in 1979, OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) continues to expand and establish performance-based criteria for a managed safety and health system. VPP is designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health management based on criteria similar to the Essential Elements described above. Companies striving to meet VPP criteria are invited to apply, and then applicants are evaluated against these criteria.  

State-Plan-States also established VPP programs. For example, North Carolina established OSHA Carolina Star Program based on VPP criteria. There are now approximately 85 NC STAR sites plus Public Sector Star sites, Building Star sites and Rising Stars.

Carolina Star—Recognizes worksites that have met the required criteria to effectively control hazards at the worksite.

Rising Star—Recognizes worksites that have good safety and health programs but must take additional steps to reach Carolina Star quality.

Building Star—Recognizes construction worksites that have Carolina Star quality safety and health programs.

Public Sector Star—Recognizes state agencies and local governments for their leadership and success in providing a safe and healthy work environment.

The benefits of VPP include establishing a culture of safety resulting in,

Improved employee motivation to work safely, leading to better quality and productivity.

Reduced workers' compensation costs. Recognition in the community.

Improvement to safety programs through internal and external review.

A safer workplace. VPP participant sites generally experience from 60 percent to 80 percent fewer lost workday injuries that would be expected of an "average" site of the same size in their industries.

Results that every organization wants to achieve! So, do you have what it takes? And if not, are you ready? It’s never too late, and truly, if done well, can lead to organizational health

Appropriate respirators are sometimes needed to protect workers against harmful atmospheres such as insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fumes, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. These hazards may cause a variety of diseases such as cancer, lung impairment, or even death. Respirators should be considered for protection only when engineering controls are not feasible for the control of the hazard, or temporarily worn while engineering controls are being installed. There are several requirements to ensure that respirators are effective and used safely, including establishing a written plan, proper respirator selection, annual fit testing and training, medical clearance, maintenance, and program evaluation.

Respirator selection is based on the hazard and potential level of exposure. Anyone using a negative pressure, tight-fitting facepiece respirator must pass an appropriate fit-test that uses OSHA-accepted protocol and also must be comfortable for the wearer. Fit-testing is required before initial use, whenever a different respirator is used, and at least performed annually. An additional fit-test is required whenever a change in the wearer's physical condition could affect respirator fit, such as facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or a significant change in body weight.

A medical evaluation is required before fit testing to determine the employee's ability to use a respirator. The evaluation must be performed by a qualified physician or other licensed health care professional (PLHCP) using the required medical questionnaire or an initial medical examination that obtains the same information as the medical questionnaire.

Dimensions can assist you in establishing an effective respiratory protection program. In addition, our staff provide respirator training, medical clearance and fit testing at your facility at times convenient for you. Contact us for additional information.

Many states rate the health of their citizens and compare health risks to other states. Recently, NC Prevention Partners gave North Carolina a ‘D’ in obesity and exercise during their annual rating of health habits. The report noted that 65% of adults in NC are overweight and youth obesity rates are the fifth worst in the nation. Plus, 56% of adults in NC aren’t getting enough exercise. In addition, the number of Americans with chronic diseases—and the health costs associated with treating these conditions—continues to grow at alarming rates.

How does your company compare? Identifying health risk factors and providing opportunities to reduce those risks as well as maintain well-being are viewed more and more as vital to success for both employees and employers. Recent surveys suggest that wellness programs continue to remain strong during these difficult economic times. One recent survey of 343 large U.S. employers found that almost two-thirds (65 percent) continue to make significant investments in improving the health and productivity of their workforce. For many companies, supporting employee health is a business value and necessary business strategy; and not just to save on health care costs either. Companies are realizing the importance of being a good and responsible employer with practices that enhance employee well-being. So what can you do?

Identify company practices that enhance employee health. Assess what can be implemented to improve or create a culture of health & safety. Two effective strategies to consider:

Offer incentives for participation in wellness activities

Address barriers to health care and compliance by offering financial assistance or waiving co-pays for certain screenings or treatment.

• Was It All Hype?
• Organizational Health: Essential Elements of Safety & Wellness Programs
• Carolina STAR: Do You Have What It Takes?
• Establishing An Effective Respiratory Protection Program
• How Does Your Company Rate?