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Source: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23453711-5007221,00.html
Flu outbreak cost fears
Article from: The Sunday Tasmanian
GILL VOWLES
March 30, 2008 12:00am
TASMANIANS are being urged to get flu vaccinations amid fears that sick leave could devastate the state's industries this winter.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Damon Thomas said the state's industries were already struggling with critical staff shortages and would not be able to deal with a sick-leave spike if there was a flu outbreak.
"At the moment only 61 out of 100 Tasmanians of working age are active in the workforce," Mr Thomas said. "A bad flu season could easily bring that back to 55 out of 100, and that would have an adverse effect on everyone in the community."
He said Tasmania's construction industry was likely to be the hardest hit.
"There is $500 million worth of construction projects planned for Hobart alone in the next year," Mr Thomas said.
"The sector is already struggling because of large labour shortages. If that manpower is further reduced by increased sick leave, it will be disastrous and result in delays and added costs."
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Daniel Hanna said his industry was also suffering labour shortages and would struggle to absorb sick leave.
"A flu outbreak could impact on service levels and potentially on visitation numbers," Mr Hanna said.
"Our members will certainly be encouraging sick staff to take time off to limit the spread of the disease.
"We will also be reminding staff of the need for good hygiene practices."
Mr Thomas said while it was difficult to predict the financial cost of a bad flu season, it was likely to be significant.
"Last week Treasurer Michael Aird released a report showing workplace absences may already be costing the Tasmanian economy more than $550 million each year," he said. "A significant outbreak of flu could blow that figure out enormously."
Mr Thomas said there was little Tasmanian businesses could do to minimise the possibility of a flu outbreak.
"All they can do is encourage people to be more responsible for their own health and have flu vaccinations," he said.
But Australian Medical Association state president Haydn Walters said lifting awareness of germ-spreading could be part of the solution.
"I'd like to see the use of surgical masks become more socially acceptable," Prof Walters said. "We could greatly limit the spread of flu by using surgical masks, avoiding touching people, and diligent hand washing."
He said while it was up to individuals to decide whether to be vaccinated, people in strategic jobs should not hesitate.
"Teachers, health professions and emergency service personnel should all ensure they get a vaccination," Prof Walters said.
Tasmania's public health director Roscoe Taylor was not available for comment.
Flu outbreak cost fears
Article from: The Sunday Tasmanian
GILL VOWLES
March 30, 2008 12:00am
TASMANIANS are being urged to get flu vaccinations amid fears that sick leave could devastate the state's industries this winter.
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Damon Thomas said the state's industries were already struggling with critical staff shortages and would not be able to deal with a sick-leave spike if there was a flu outbreak.
"At the moment only 61 out of 100 Tasmanians of working age are active in the workforce," Mr Thomas said. "A bad flu season could easily bring that back to 55 out of 100, and that would have an adverse effect on everyone in the community."
He said Tasmania's construction industry was likely to be the hardest hit.
"There is $500 million worth of construction projects planned for Hobart alone in the next year," Mr Thomas said.
"The sector is already struggling because of large labour shortages. If that manpower is further reduced by increased sick leave, it will be disastrous and result in delays and added costs."
Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Daniel Hanna said his industry was also suffering labour shortages and would struggle to absorb sick leave.
"A flu outbreak could impact on service levels and potentially on visitation numbers," Mr Hanna said.
"Our members will certainly be encouraging sick staff to take time off to limit the spread of the disease.
"We will also be reminding staff of the need for good hygiene practices."
Mr Thomas said while it was difficult to predict the financial cost of a bad flu season, it was likely to be significant.
"Last week Treasurer Michael Aird released a report showing workplace absences may already be costing the Tasmanian economy more than $550 million each year," he said. "A significant outbreak of flu could blow that figure out enormously."
Mr Thomas said there was little Tasmanian businesses could do to minimise the possibility of a flu outbreak.
"All they can do is encourage people to be more responsible for their own health and have flu vaccinations," he said.
But Australian Medical Association state president Haydn Walters said lifting awareness of germ-spreading could be part of the solution.
"I'd like to see the use of surgical masks become more socially acceptable," Prof Walters said. "We could greatly limit the spread of flu by using surgical masks, avoiding touching people, and diligent hand washing."
He said while it was up to individuals to decide whether to be vaccinated, people in strategic jobs should not hesitate.
"Teachers, health professions and emergency service personnel should all ensure they get a vaccination," Prof Walters said.
Tasmania's public health director Roscoe Taylor was not available for comment.