ISO 9001 & Swine Flu…
I’m sure you are aware that Swine Flu has been declared a Pandemic…but what next? Face masks at the next team meeting? Well not quite.
First issue a policy to all staff that if they start to develop ‘flu-like’ symptoms, they should seek medical attention and not come into work.
Don’t forget that if you run an ISO 9001 system it is all about business planning, ensuring correct resourcing and preventive action.
I’m not suggesting that you will get a non conformity for failing to plan for Swine Flue, but in this highly competitive climate we find ourselves in, you should use your quality system (and business continuity system if you have one) to make sure you can operate your company effectively and safely in the event of increased absence due to swine flu.
Would for instance, levels of supervision or certain skills mean that your business could not operate? Worst case could service level contracts or product quality suffer because of increased absence levels.
By making simple plans in advance it may be possible to minimise the effect of this Pandemic on your business.
For more information on business continuity go to the following link from ‘Business Link’ Swine flu – make sure your business is ready or if you want more information regarding Swine Flu precautions the HSE web site is pack with useful information… Swine flu – HSE