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H1N1 PANDEMIC planning – IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

Cases of H1N1 (swine) flu are set to soar by the end of the year with potentially dramatic consequences in the workplace. To help business leaders and senior executives plan ahead, two businesses are teaming up to provide all the practical and legal advice they need.

Leema Risk Management and Ashton Graham are running a series of seminars entitled “H1N1 Pandemic – it’s not too late!”

According to Lee Weavers of Leema Risk Management, a local company with an international reputation for business continuity and risk management services, the impact of flu – as already seen by southern hemisphere countries - could be huge.

He said, “Much depends on levels of immunisation, but even if it is widely available and taken up, significant numbers of staff could be absent or on sick  leave for at least 7 -10 days. The number of cases of swine flu across the UK is forecast to reach a peak during winter and much as 15 – 30 percent of workers may be absent at any one time.”
It is not just a business continuity issue, he explained. There are legal implications under civil & criminal law for those Directors and managers who fail to take responsible steps and put in place correct counter measures.

“Preparing for skills shortages & absences is one aspect”.  “As an employer you would be failing in your duty of care to your staff if you do provide a safe working environment.  You could face either civil or criminal prosecution, with even a charge of corporate manslaughter, should the worst happen.”

Mr Weavers will talk about crisis management and business continuity planning. Matthew Potter of Ashton Graham; will tackle employment legal issues. Mark East, a chemist and health & safety expert, will outline how the disease is spread and counter measures to limit the impact on business.

Matthew Potter of Ashton Graham said, “It would be dangerous to ignore the potential of a flu pandemic. It’s hard to recall an instance in the past of similar significance. With the legal framework protecting workers’ rights as well as the dangers to health, it would be foolish to ignore H1N1 flu.”

To register your interest, please email: anna.buckley@leemarisk.com or telephone: 01473 281961

Speakers: Lee Weavers & Mark East of Leema Risk Management and Matthew Potter of Ashton Graham

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