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The Labour Department today (May 2) called on employers and employees to step up precautionary measures in the wake of the first confirmed case of human swine influenza in Hong Kong.
Employers and employees in all industries are advised to take appropriate precautions:
* Maintain good ventilation at the workplace, such as 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:
* Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol-based handrub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled;
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth;
* Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, such as after sneezing or coughing;
* Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;
* No spitting. Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper, and dispose of the tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Wear mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop. Seek medical advice promptly; and
* Refrain from work if develop symptoms of influenza.
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.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said it was of the utmost importance that employers and employees should be vigilant in guarding against human swine influenza at workplaces, as a healthy and safe workplace was in both their interests.
The spokesman added that the above precautionary measures were applicable to all workplaces including households that were used as workplaces. All persons working in a household environment including domestic helpers are reminded to pay more attention to the hygiene condition in their households to protect their health.
Ends/Saturday, May 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 13:28
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