Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Small businesses warned over swine flu
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 | 6:53 AM ET
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is telling P.E.I.'s small business owners they need to prepare for a potentially major outbreak of swine flu this fall.
Erin McGrath-Gaudet says small business owners need to keep current with the recommendations of health officials. (CBC)
Erin McGrath-Gaudet, the group's representative on the Island, warns small businesses could be hit hard if there's a major outbreak of H1N1 virus this fall.
The group, which represents more than 1,000 businesses on the Island, is preparing a newsletter with information about how to deal with a pandemic.
McGrath-Gaudet told CBC News Friday business owners should talk to their workers about how to stay healthy, how to keep workplaces clean and what to do it they can't make it to work.
"Think about what the potential impact of an H1N1 outbreak could have for their business, including what it means if they themselves get sick," she said.
McGrath-Gaudet suggested that owners consider what functions of their business are essential, and what has to take place regardless of people being sick.
"It's a good time to do some cross training with employees to make sure that people are able to fulfil those functions even if a few people are out sick."
Business owners should also keep up to date on what medical officials are recommending, she said.
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/09/08/pei-small-business-swine-flu.html
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 | 6:53 AM ET
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is telling P.E.I.'s small business owners they need to prepare for a potentially major outbreak of swine flu this fall.
Erin McGrath-Gaudet says small business owners need to keep current with the recommendations of health officials. (CBC)
Erin McGrath-Gaudet, the group's representative on the Island, warns small businesses could be hit hard if there's a major outbreak of H1N1 virus this fall.
The group, which represents more than 1,000 businesses on the Island, is preparing a newsletter with information about how to deal with a pandemic.
McGrath-Gaudet told CBC News Friday business owners should talk to their workers about how to stay healthy, how to keep workplaces clean and what to do it they can't make it to work.
"Think about what the potential impact of an H1N1 outbreak could have for their business, including what it means if they themselves get sick," she said.
McGrath-Gaudet suggested that owners consider what functions of their business are essential, and what has to take place regardless of people being sick.
"It's a good time to do some cross training with employees to make sure that people are able to fulfil those functions even if a few people are out sick."
Business owners should also keep up to date on what medical officials are recommending, she said.
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2009/09/08/pei-small-business-swine-flu.html