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The Labour Department advised employers and employees to take precautionary measures for the prevention of influenza.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said today (March 16) it was of the utmost importance that everyone should continue to be vigilant in guarding against the spread of the disease in the workplace. A healthy and safe workplace was in the interests of both employers and employees.
To keep a clean and hygienic work environment, people are advised to -
* Maintain good ventilation at the workplace, e.g. well-maintained air-conditioning system, or open as many windows as possible for better ventilation;
* Disinfect commonly-used equipment with diluted solution of household bleach (1 part bleach: 99 parts water) when necessary;
* Keep the workplace, particularly the floor, carpets, doors, windows and ventilation systems, clean;
* Ensure toilet facilities are properly maintained; and
* Provide liquid soap, disposable towels and a hand-dryer in toilets.
To enhance personal hygiene, employees are advised to -
* Wash hands before touching eyes, mouth or nose;
* Do not share towels or eating utensils;
* Increase body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest as well as stopping smoking;
* Wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infections;
* Consult a doctor promptly in case of fever or cough; and
* Do not go to work in case of fever or as advised by the doctor.
Employers are advised to -
* Ensure that the workplace is kept clean and hygienic;
* Provide adequate and proper face masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment when necessary. Ensure that the workers are using such personal protective equipment properly;
* Communicate the relevant health advice and guidelines to employees;
* Remind staff of the importance of good personal hygiene;
* Remind employees to consult a doctor in case of fever or cough, and not to go to work in case of fever or as advised by the doctor; and
* Develop contingency plans for keeping the workforce safe and secure as far as practicable.
For further information on influenza, please call the 24-Hour Health Education Hotline of the Department of Health on 2833 0111 or visit the Centre of Health Protection¡¦s website at www.chp.gov.hk. For information on influenza preparedness, please refer to the ¡§What employers/enterprises should know about influenza preparedness¡¨ published by the Centre for Health Protection.
Ends/Sunday, March 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:01
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