Almost everyone is aware of the possibility of a flu epidemic this winter. Much has been written about common sense hygiene habits and staying home if we are not well. We also are apprised daily on whether or not the vaccines for H1N1 are available.

The last thing Tucson’s businesses need is an influenza pandemic, particularly at this busy time of the year. Before too much time goes by, all businesses should consider developing a written contingency plan for their organization in case there is a major flu outbreak, particularly since the vaccine seems to be in short supply.

Giving employees sound information on staying well so they can stay on the job should be a priority for both large and small firms. This must be a part of the written plan.

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Stay in contact with public health personnel to ensure guidelines are followed. Make certain adults with compromised immune systems, young people in their 20s, infants and children, and pregnant women are vaccinated. (This H1N1 virus seems to be most prevalent in those groups.) If the vaccine supply is readily available, encourage all employees to be vaccinated.

The Pima County Health Department website — www.pimahealth.org — is a good place to start to organize a plan. The website also has detailed information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on how to write a detailed business plan to deal with the possibility of an influenza epidemic.

Businesses are urged to identify a workplace coordinator who will be responsible for dealing with H1N1 flu issues and its impacts in the workplace. The plan should be developed with employee involvement, and when it is completed, there must be good communication on its contents with all employees.

Much of the information given for this plan is practical. For example, does a business computer system have the capability to handle additional remote users? It may be possible for some employees who are home with sick family members to “telework.” Of course this won’t work for all companies.

Also, employees with young children should develop contingency plans of their own in case schools or child care centers are closed. Other alternatives for child care will have to be found. It would not be advisable for these parents to bring the children to work.

Cross train personnel in essential functions so operations can continue. Employers will have to assess their particular operations to determine which could be temporarily suspended if there is a high rate of absenteeism caused by the flu.

Collaborate if possible with other businesses in similar situations. By working together, employers may be able to keep businesses open, if this becomes an issue.

Employers can work with human resources personnel to establish flexible leave policies  to encourage those who are ill to stay home. It may also be necessary for some employees to stay home with family members who are ill. They should not be penalized for doing so.

A worker who becomes ill at work must be isolated immediately from other employees. Encourage the person who is ill to wear a surgical mask and find transportation home for the person as soon as possible. Inform others in the workplace of their exposure to the illness.

Local conditions will influence decision making on such a plan. Consult community public health officials with questions about company planning. By establishing a working plan, employees will not be anxious or panicked about the situation. They will be fully aware of how to handle the problem, will remain calm, and will do their best to cooperate. This will be very helpful at such a time.

While medical personnel are uncertain just how serious the influenza outbreak will be, it is best to be prepared and to respond appropriately with a written plan familiar to everyone in the business. So much of this is just common sense.

Contact Carol West at cwwfoster@aol.com. West served on the Tucson City Council from 1999-2007 and before that worked as a council aide from 1987-1995.