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Business continuity planning is key to cope with pandemic

In anticipation of further spread of the pH1N1 flu virus this summer and beyond, Ottawa Public Health would like to stress the importance of business continuity planning in all workplaces across the city. A business continuity plan helps offset any higher-than-normal absenteeism from interrupting priority business and delivering essential services.

Locally, the virus to date has been relatively mild, with 261 laboratory-confirmed cases and one associated death as of June 23. Unlike other influenza strains, however, the pH1N1 virus will likely continue to spread in the community through the summer months and possibly for another year.

Higher absenteeism from employees who are ill themselves or caring for loved ones with the flu can disrupt how private and public-sector workplaces deliver their programs and services. A business continuity plan prioritizes an organization’s critical functions, identifies a chain of command, and specifies how the organization can minimize the impact of absenteeism – including shifting existing staff resources or hiring back-up temporary employees. Establishing clear communications protocols is also a key element in a plan that ensures staff, clients and stakeholders are well informed.

Ottawa’s Interagency Influenza Pandemic Plan, which Ottawa Public Health and its partners have used since the first case of pH1N1 flu was confirmed in Canada in late April, calls for all local organizations to develop their own plan to help build our city’s resiliency.

To help develop or fine tune plans in your organization or business, a number of websites contain checklists and information on how to develop an effective business continuity plan. Useful reference sites include:

• Ottawa Public Health: Are You Ready? pandemic preparedness site
• Ottawa Public Health: Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace Checklist
• Public Safety Canada: A guide to business continuity planning
• Region of Peel Health Unit: Business Continuity Planning
• Ready for Crisis: Tutorial on service continuity for voluntary sector organizations
• Conference Board of Canada: H1N1 Influenza: Preparing Your Organization for a Pandemic (you will be asked to create an account)

The summer is an opportune time to develop contingency plans to prepare for any potential increase in absenteeism due to the pH1N1 virus. Ideally, you may never need to activate the plan, but being prepared for any situation is as valuable as any other form of insurance that protects the workplace.

For up-to-date information on the H1N1 situation in Ottawa, visit the PH1N1 flu virus (swine flu) page or call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744.

Revised September 2, 2009