Disaster planning for a pandemic

As a business you will be aware that you need to develop disaster planning policies and procedures. You may already be well down this track, however, have you considered all the implications should a pandemic arrive in this country?

The government is doing what it can to develop an early warning system and policies to limit the spread of a pandemic. Government officials acknowledge that this alone will not prevent the spread of a debilitating virus, should it arrive on our shores.

Officials believe that the most important defence will be the sensible actions of the community itself - and that means every business and organisation playing their part to limit the spread of such a disease.

Useful links to look at

We have put together some ideas to consider and some useful links to help you devise your disaster plan. If you want some help along the way, Edutech KM staff can help speed things up.

Here are some issues to consider

As an employer, you will already have considered:

• Educating employees on hygienic activity and reducing the possibility of spreading a virus.
• Providing access to vaccine or sterile masks and gloves etc.

But have you also considered:

• How will you manage the chain of responsibility in your organisation if senior managers are sick at home?
• How you will define the process of raising the level of emergency within your own organisation, based on the government's planned process? Who will do it and when?
• Are there any financial implications of paying employees and accounts if admin staff are forced to stay away?
• If normal banking operations are suspended, how will your organisation manage?
• How many days sick leave will be allocated to employees, should they be forced to stay home to limit the spread of a virus?
• Will your current systems allow some of your services to be maintained if the central office is closed?
• Can some of your services be maintained away from the office? What technical support will this require and who will provide and maintain it for the duration of the pandemic?
• What criteria will be used to decide whether service can be continued from places where the public has access?
• What security issues could result from leaving your premises unattended?
• How will the drop in revenue for two to six weeks affect your business viability?
• How will you prepare staff for the enormity of the emotional response that they might feel, on returning to work if colleagues are no longer there?

If you need help in this overwhelming task contact Edutech KM Ltd. We may be able to make things happen for you quicker than you think.

Information sites to visit for help

Financial

• Reserve Bank Contingency Pandemic Planning (PDF 67KB) This plan is a work in a progress and outlines the Bank's plans for a possible avian influenza pandemic.
• Letter sent to New Zealand Banks A letter from the Reserve Bank on financial planning for a pandemic. It will help you understand the implications of a bank failure.

Business Continuity

• Influenza Pandemic Planning Information for Business Continuity - The Ministry of Health is currently updating its Pandemic Influenza Action Plan and is leading government-wide work to prepare for a possible pandemic in New Zealand. This site contains two separate sets of information to assist business continuity planning for influenza pandemics.
• Mercer Human Resource Consulting Group links and information about Preparing Employess for an Avian Flu pandemic

Preventative Health

• Ministry of Health A website with a great deal of information
• Sample Planning Guide - A guide developed by Shell Australia
• Healthcare Providers Planning Guide - A frank discussion on what can and might be done including three different scenarios to help you think about the implications of a pandemic
• Australian Health Guide to Medical Practitioners A guide to help medical practitioners prepare for a potential pandemic
• Minimising the Risk of a Pandemic on your Business - A pdf article from the Ministry of Health
  

Other ideas

Have you considered the options of teleworking? Telework New Zealand proposes some alternatives.

Edutech KM Ltd

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phone: 64-3-337-0234
fax: 64-3-337-0235
info@edutechkm.com
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