CCOHS offers tools to help plan for a Pandemic

The recent outbreak of the human swine influenza has prompted the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) to remind Canadians of the resources that are available to help them plan for an influenza pandemic.

“Now is the time to take action to plan for a potential pandemic,” says Len Hong, President and CEO at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. ”By using these free tools and resources from CCOHS, Canadians will be able to create long-term plans to anticipate and respond to pandemics. “

CCOHS offers Pandemic Awareness, a free, 20-minute introductory e-course that describes what a pandemic is, how an influenza virus spreads, and the impact a pandemic may have on workplaces, families and communities. This e-course also outlines the importance of preparing for a pandemic. Most importantly, the course describes how people and companies can proactively try to avert a crisis by staying as influenza-free as possible.
 
The Pandemic Planning Web Portal provides a single source of free practical pandemic information as well as planning tools and resources specifically for use in the community, at home, and at work. These resources are designed to be helpful and easy to use in developing both personal and business pandemic plans. The web portal also provides a Pandemic Toolkit, specific to businesses and organizations with checklists, tips and information about continuity planning.
 
The goal is to provide information that can help keep workplaces and people healthy, working and thriving during an influenza pandemic.
 
More information about the Pandemic Awareness E-course and the Pandemic Planning web portal is available on the CCOHS website.