(WHAS11) - School and businesses are bracing for the swine flu. The U.S. government expects half of the country to get infected this fall, so companies are getting plans ready just in case workers get sick. Experts say it's just a matter of time and the swine flu could have a big impact in the workplace and businesses need to start putting emergency and work flow plans in place.
Wednesday was flu shot day at the CPA firm of Chilton & Medley. ‘We are preparing for the swine flu. It's hard to know what to expect,” says Chilton & Medley Spokesperson Rebecca Brady. With 100 employees, Chilton & Medley is preparing to allow some of its employees to work from home if it comes to that. They are also accommodating a number of parents who may be forced to stay home with children affected by the swine flu. The flu and pneumonia shots being given now are a first step for this accounting firm. Labor Attorney Craig Siegenthaler works with companies to show them the legal and practical steps they need to take to prepare for the impact of the swine flu. He says no company can overlook a possible widespread outbreak and that big and small companies will need to cross train employees to remain economically effic ient. It’s something restaurant owner Joe Tapper is already thinking about. He was just passing by and after seeing the flu shot campaign at Chilton & Medley, he is now going to sign up his employees for swine flu shots when they're available. Workers also have to do their part. This is the first time Marcia Cammack ever got a flu shot. She intends to get a swine flu shot as well. “It hit me that I can't afford to miss a week of work,” she says. Here are a few tips that experts recommend for businesses: - Develop policies to allow sick workers to stay at home without fear of reprisals. -Develop flexible hours and create other leave policies. - Provide items like tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfectants and soap. - And finally, encourage employees to get the swine flu shot when it becomes available.
