Swine flu: advice for employers and staff
This section contains the latest guidance on swine flu (pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza) in the workplace. This advice is aimed at people in all fields of work but specific advice on some workplaces is listed below. Advice on what to do if you develop flu-like symptoms is on the Advice for public page.
Illness in the workplace
If a member of staff attends work and is obviously unwell with flu-like symptoms they should be sent home and asked to call NHS Direct (0845 46 47). Those with internet access can log onto the website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.
Close contacts of swine flu cases
People who have had contact with a person with swine flu but are showing no symptoms do not need to be excluded from the workplace.
In some circumstances, people in certain higher risk groups who are a close contact of people with swine flu may be started on antiviral medicine as a precautionary measure. They should continue their normal lives, including going to work, so long as they do not develop any flu-like symptoms.
Illness in the workplace
If you, or a fellow member of staff, attends work and is obviously unwell with flu-like symptoms your employer should ask you to go home and follow the advice given above.
Preventing the spread of swine flu
It is important to remember that flu is usually spread from one person to another when an infected person has symptoms (i.e. through coughing and sneezing).
Everyone in the workplace can play their part by practising good hygiene. This includes:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water, to reduce the spread of virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Cleaning all hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product.
You may want to read the official government leaflet that explains how to prevent transmission of swine flu. Download the NHS swine flu information leaflet for the public (external pdf file) from the Direct.gov website.
Infection control guidance
Businesses should follow the detailed infection control guidance given in the documents below, which were jointly developed by the HPA and the Department of Health, in association with professional organisations, for use in the event of an influenza pandemic. Click the links to download the guidance from the DH site.
- Pandemic flu guidance for businesses: risk assessment in the occupational setting. Last revised 27 March 2009.
- Pandemic flu: infection control guidance for funeral directors Last revised November 2009.
- Pandemic flu: guidance for cleaning staff and refuse collectors in non-health care settings. Last revised 30 January 2008.
- Pandemic flu guidance for Fire and Rescue Service. Last revised 30 January 2008.
- Pandemic flu guidance for the hospitality industry. Last revised 30 January 2008.
- Pandemic flu guidance for the Police Service. Last revised 30 January 2008.
Specific guidance relating to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza: Guidance for Environmental Health Practitioners (External Link)
