During the colder months of the year, the threat of influenza - commonly known as the flu - can leave many feeling weak and ill-equipped to tackle the challenges of everyday life.
Leading to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, sore throat and extreme fatigue, a flu outbreak can wreak havoc on the professional and personal lives of many people, especially when it occurs in the workplace.
The role of the Red Cross
As the largest provider of First Aid and CPR education and training worldwide, the Red Cross is a leader in promoting health issues across the globe.
The Canadian Red Cross strives to limit the outbreak of viruses like the flu by empowering communities and workplaces with information and preventative health techniques.
Prevention through education
Did you know that each year, up to 10 per cent of Canada's population is affected by the flu? While this may seem astonishing, there are many ways that employers and staff alike can stop the spread of the virus in the workplace.
When it comes to preventing a flu outbreak around the office, education can be the key. By providing employees with valuable information available through the Canadian Red Cross about how the flu is transmitted and what can be done to limit exposure, employers can help ensure the safety and wellness of staff members.
The benefits of safety-first policies
The Canadian Red Cross recommends establishing policies like sick-leave absences and flexible work-site and work hours, which can allow employees who are feeling under the weather to recuperate without infecting co-workers.
Personal habits like washing hands regularly can reduce the spread of the virus, and is vitally important in shared space areas like the office where people frequently touch door knobs, keyboards and other items that can transmit bacteria. By encouraging employees to use tissues and cover their mouths whenever they cough or sneeze, your co-workers can be kept safe from harmful germs.
Why choose the Red Cross?
The comprehensive courses offered by the Canadian Red Cross can help make your workplace safer by arming employees with the skills and knowledge needed to react during a health crisis. Best of all, the training available through the Red Cross is flexible and compliant with federal and provincial/territorial occupational health and safety legislation, meaning your staff will receive the most up-to-date information possible!
To learn more about how you can sign up for a course in your area, please contact your local Red Cross office today.