Hazard Free Safety Soapbox

Today on the Safeguard Safety forum, we have had a query concerning other business’ policy for managing the risk of a potential avian flu outbreak.

 

One response suggested that NZ need not worry about such things.  Especially in light of other potential catastrophic problems having dodged our shores (Aids, SARS, necrotizing fasciitis, (flesh eating disease) and Y2K).

 

We haven't any certainty that the avian flu will mutate to a human strain, and then turn pandemic.  We do have the potential for that.  It HAS happened before...it COULD happen again.  (Basics of safety:  If it happened before...it can and WILL happen again.)

 

Is the avian flu a significant risk? Let’s do a risk assessment:

 

• Potential harm from hazard?  Death
• Frequency of harm from exposure resulting in severe injury? H5N1 has shown a fatality of over 50% in some instances of hospitalised cases (ref CDC website)  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/avian-flu-humans.htm
• Number of people affected?  Potentially entire NZ General Population. 
• Likelihood of exposure to hazard.  Right now in NZ ...very low to none.  (Likelihood of exposure if hazard turns pandemic...high).  The Avian flu appears to be in Phase 3 of Pandemic development.

  Pandemic alert period :

Phase 3: Human infection(s) with a new subtype, but no human-to-human spread, or at most rare instances of spread to a close contact:  http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/c7ad5e032528c34c4c2566690076db9b/223a4e54035bb94dcc257066001afd5b?OpenDocument   

The respondent stated little concern for a ‘fatality rates of 60/megamillions’.  This of course does not reflect the real exposure to harm ratio.

 

Perhaps we should no longer prepare and plan for earthquakes (the really big ones are very rare), or have fire drills (after all, fire fatalities occur very infrequently, especially in buildings with sprinkler systems – perhaps we should get rid of the sprinkler systems?!

 

And by all means let's have no contingency plans for force 5 hurricanes entering the Gulf of Mexico.  Let's wait until they make landfall!

 

Of course I am being sarcastic.  “She’ll be right” is NOT a formula for safety success.  Those already familiar with my philosophy will recognise the A+B=C formula for success.  Attitude + Behaviour = Consequences.    There is a fundamental mathematical preciseness to the science of safety.  If it has happened before…and we haven’t changed anything…it WILL HAPPEN AGAIN!

 

In this instance, of pandemic flu, it HAS happened before.  The key to success will be to change our Attitude and Behaviours so the consequences don’t occur with the same devastating effect. 

 

There is no reason to feel complacent with the risk of a deadly influenza outbreak in New Zealand.  Once a flu strain becomes human to human, and the jets continue to fly, the flu is only one flight away.  Don’t we see that occurring every year with the other influenza (kinder gentler types) outbreaks?

 

Don't be apologetic for making measured/informed responses to known and potential risks.  Pro-active responses to risk is what we (Safety Professionals) are about.  We are paid to worry about uncontrolled hazards.

 

If the companies in NZ took the time to reflect on the potential harm that a pandemic flu could cause, and implemented control procedures in preparation, what is the worst that could happen if no pandemic hits?  Perhaps workable communicable disease control policies will emerge.

 

Stepping off the Soap box…

 

In a couple days, I hope to have an example of a ‘company flu policy’ posted on this site.  If you have one already made up for your company, and are willing to submit it for critique, and share with the rest of us…by all means send a copy to glen@hazardfree.co.nz and we may be able to offer more than one version of Policies used by others.

 

Meanwhile…keep working on solutions, it is much more satisfying than dwelling on problems.

 

Glen

Hazard Free Safety Soapbox is a blog for people who have an interest in Health and Safety…AND have something to SAY about it.

This is an open place for you to muse about what works and what doesn’t…To listen to what others have to say. To ask questions, and receive answers. Submit all articles, opinions and questions to glen@hazardfree.co.nz and we will post all accepted pieces, usually within 24 hours. A signature - with a link to your website or contact details is accepted with each piece (no more than 2 lines).

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Don’t forget…This site is about “What works…and what doesn’t” The goal is to share, learn, and apply.

So here is to you and to the people you help, and the families that are counting on them coming back alive and healthy. Send us your opinions, articles, comments and questions - and everyone can help everyone else work through the tangled jungle of safety in the workplace.

Sincerely

Glen A. Omvig

Director
All Practicable Steps (APS) Ltd
Hazardfree Safety Co-op