“This is not about
being alarmist. It is about being ready,” says Len Crispino,
President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
“Although we hope that scientific warnings of an influenza
pandemic will never be realized we have a responsibility
to our employees and our customers to be prepared with
a plan that will enable us to continue operating as
best as possible during a widespread emergency of this
kind.”
Scientists predict an influenza pandemic could occur
within the next few years and yet statistics show that
few small and medium businesses have plans in place
to contend with this eventuality.
“Our local economy and individual businesses were affected
by the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak
in 2003 and the blackout later that same year,” explains
Brampton Board of Trade CEO Sheldon Leiba. “The Pandemic
Planning Tool Kit will help local businesses prepare
themselves for the next catastrophic event, ultimately
reducing the impact on business owners and their employees.”
The toolkit includes the following:
• Estimates of potential staff absences
• Legislative requirements governing staff absences
during an emergency and subsequent return to work
• List of possible effects to services and business
operations
• Prevention techniques to limit the spread of disease
• Business continuity checklist
• Additional resources
“It is important for businesses to take the threat
of a pandemic seriously, and prepare contingency plans
for staff absences and business disruptions,” emphasizes
Leiba.
The Pandemic Planning Tool Kit is available electronically
online at The Brampton Board of Trade’s website at www.bramptonbot.com.
Media Contact:
Sheldon Leiba
CEO
The Brampton Board of Trade
Phone: (905) 451-1122
Fax: (905) 450-0295
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