With the anticipation by public health agencies that cases of the H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as Swine Flu, will be on the rise this fall, BOMA International urges managers to have in place plans that will allow the building to operate with the minimum amount of staff. To assist you with this process, BOMA has put together a checklist of proactive steps businesses should take should your building be attacked by H1N1.
- Review existing continuity of operations plans (including for reduced staffing levels of vendors) with management firms.
- Confirm that property managers have met with “Key Crisis Vendors” and discussed each group’s individual plans (key crisis vendors are those that are needed to support ongoing operations of the properties – janitorial, security, fire alarm maintenance, elevator maintenance, etc.).
- Identify potential areas where cutbacks in operations can occur and still maintain operations.
- Review programs to stockpile needed supplies to be used during emergencies (disinfectant cleaning supplies, etc.).
- Confirm policies to back fill with properly trained individuals who know your sites.
- Encourage Managers to meet with tenant representatives and discuss any potential issues that they should be alerted to and to provide a second copy of the attached tenant communication sent out in the Spring. Discussion points could include – staff members of tenant that fall into one of the above “at risk” categories to make sure they limit potential issues.
- Encourage infection control practices in the workplace.
- Display educational posters.
- Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer and sufficient facilities for hand washing.
- Provide disinfectant and disposable towels for employees to clean their work surfaces.
- Encourage managers to support a program of leave to take care of sick family members to limit ability of team members to spread illness.
- Public Health groups are advising that doctor’s Notes should not be required to return to work for individuals due to the strain placed on doctor’s and public health agencies during the spring season.
- Encourage the managers to sign up for daily alerts from the local public health agencies, if available.