IJET Provides Additional Services In Response To Ongoing H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) Developments

Main Category: Swine Flu
Article Date: 13 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, a leading provider of global intelligence and business resiliency services, today announced additional services and resources as H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) continues to spread globally. iJET advice helps multinational organizations avoid potential disruptions that may ensue as the virus continues to expand its reach.

In response to increased questions and concerns surrounding the virus, iJET has launched a weekly Pandemic Briefing series, designed to provide up-to-date information, analysis and advice on the evolving H1N1 Influenza A outbreak. This interactive forum, facilitated by iJET's Director of Health Intelligence, Joan Pfinsgraff, M.D., occurs each Thursday at 12 pm EDT/ 9 am PDT through June 30, 2009.

The Pandemic Briefings run in concert with iJET's established World Pandemic Monitor service, which provides up-to-date information on pandemic preparedness and emerging infectious diseases. Subscribers receive the weekly World Pandemic Monitor report as well as time-sensitive alerts on events as they happen.

iJET has also launched an online public resource page with up-to-date information, helpful documents and links related to the new H1N1 virus. Included on the page is a map showing the current spread of H1N1, frequently asked questions and answers, a sample sick leave policy and other practical tools. iJET clients can access this resource center through the company's Worldcue Global Control Center and Worldcue PLANNER platforms, providing ready access to information for managers and employees alike.

"Health authorities are responding aggressively on multiple fronts -- educating the public, monitoring the spread of the new H1N1 influenza virus and beginning the development of a vaccine," said Pfinsgraff. "It is not yet clear how significant an impact this outbreak will have. Our understanding of the H1N1 influenza virus and the illness it causes is changing daily. Organizations need up-to-date information in order to protect employees, make informed policy decisions and maintain business operations."

Outbreaks may slow as summer weather arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, but the new H1N1 virus could pose a significant threat to the Southern Hemisphere and tropics, as their flu seasons begin. Scientists are also concerned that the H1N1 virus could cause widespread outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere beginning in the fall, and large-scale employee absences could cause business disruptions.

In light of these risks, iJET advises that organizations take the following steps at this time:

-- Review Pandemic Plans. Circulate plans widely throughout the organization, with executive sponsorship. Be sure managers are familiar with plan details, current status and escalation protocols. Update HR policies to reflect implications of H1N1 Influenza. Review sick, leave and travel policies. Update plans as necessary with current emergency and key contacts, chain of communications for key suppliers, and processes for tracking and communicating business and employee status.

-- Communicate with Employees. Educate employees about the situation and personal protection measures. Encourage employees to practice good personal hygiene practices. Ensure your employees are aware of company sick, travel and leave policies. Provide regular updates.

-- Monitor Developments. Make sure your organization is monitoring ongoing developments for H1N1 and ensure appropriate escalation or de-escalation is taking place as conditions change.

-- Assess Business Continuity Plan for Critical Features. Identify essential employees and other critical inputs required to maintain business operations by location and function during a pandemic. Anticipate likely scenarios that could lead to an increase or decrease in demand for your products and services (e.g. decrease in travel or increase in need for hygiene supplies). Provide guidance and supplies for prevention of exposure at the work site.

About iJET Intelligent Risk Systems

iJET Intelligent Risk Systems (iJET) is an intelligence-driven provider of business resiliency and risk management solutions to more than 450 multinational corporations and governments -- helping them survive and thrive amidst global threats to their people, facilities and supply chain assets.

iJET's services, team of world-class intelligence analysts and patented Worldcue technology solutions equip decision-makers and organizations with real-time information to anticipate, respond to and emerge from business disruptions with a competitive edge. Intelligence services, like iJET's Worldcue Global Control Center solution, provide decision makers with timely, actionable information on potential disruptions or emerging threats to employees, operating assets, and suppliers.

Source: iJET Intelligent Risk Systems

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