DHR - SAFETY ALERT MEMO 09-01

DATE:  June 3, 2009

INCIDENT TYPE: H1N1 (Swine Flu)

LOCATION: Farmers Market II

TYPE OF WORK ACTIVITY: General Office Duty

THE INCIDENT: Confirmed case of H1N1 (Swine Flu).

FURTHER ACTION: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following when a suspected or confirmed case of H1N1 (Swine Flu) occurs:  

• Inform employees of their exposure to a coworker with confirmed, probable, or suspected H1N1flu.
• Advise employees to monitor themselves for flu symptoms.
• Urge employees to check with their health care providers about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema.

CONCLUSIONS:  All employees should follow the CDC recommendations.  

CDC RECOMMENDATIONS: To prevent the spread of disease, please do the following:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or with a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve.  Dispose of tissues in trash receptacles.
• Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. 
• Avoid shaking hands and always wash your hands after physical contact with others.
• If wearing gloves, always wash your hands after removing them.
• Keep frequently touched common surfaces (for example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.
• Try not to use other workers' phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. 
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, and exercise helps maintain physical and emotional health.

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE OF SAFETY AND HEALTH (916) 227-2640