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Information for UW employees

Promoting healthy practices in the workplace

September 26, 2009

H1N1 influenza (also known as “swine flu”) is expected to reappear in the coming flu season.

Although illness has been mild in most cases, there are some who experience severe symptoms requiring ICU care. Public Health officials cannot be certain how H1N1 will behave during the upcoming flu season but are expecting a busier season than usual. This type of flu will probably be with us for the next 18 to 24 months and it will likely come and go in a series of two or three waves.

It is important that our community continue to, and in some cases begin, the proper personal and business hygiene which will significantly decrease the spread of flu and other communicable diseases now. As part of our University of Waterloo Pandemic Plan, this memo is being sent to each department to provide managers with tools to promote a healthy workplace environment, personal health practices of each member of our community and effective cleaning of shared office equipment and spaces.

Isagel and CaviWipes may be ordered through Central Stores, East Campus Hall ext. 33130. Posters are available through Sandra Gibson, Health Educator, Health Services ext. 36358. Please indicate which posters you need: hand-washing, cough etiquette, prevent the spread.

Office cleaning practices: Promote these in your workplace to reduce the risk of flu outbreaks.

Isagel antiseptic gel is recommended for hand cleansing when soap and warm, running water are not readily available. If hands are visibly dirty, soap and water should be used. CaviWipes are for surface disinfection and not to be used as a hand towelette. If supply chains are interrupted and these particular products are not available, please note that there are many good substitutes. Most household cleaners will effectively clean office surfaces. Various other products may be promoted by suppliers which would not comply with current public health recommendations. Before ordering other products review them with Safety Office, Ext. 33587 or email safety@uwaterloo.ca. Application of a spray directly on electrical equipment in not recommended. Spray the cleaner onto a soft cloth and then use. The following high touch surfaces should be cleaned at least once daily and frequently if persons with cough and sneezing enter the workspace:

  • Push bars on doors
  • Door handles
  • Light switches
  • Taps and sinks
  • Photocopier handle and buttons
  • Buttons on the printers and faxes
  • Handrails in the stairwells
  • Fridge handles in cafeterias
  • Counters including reception areas, cafeterias, social facilities, etc.
  • Telephone receivers
  • Keyboards and computer mouse devices
  • Fitness equipment in athletic facilities
  • Tables, desks, and lecterns
Plant operations staff will be challenged to meet these cleaning demands. Our entire community needs to help. Please encourage employees to take responsibilitiy for ensuring that their individual spaces are cleaned and that they work together to clean community spaces. Also recommend that staff avoid sharing common items such as dishes, utensils, pens/pencils.

Advice regarding masks: "In considering the school setting where people are not typically trained in the proper use of masks and considering the potential risk of infection associated with improper mask use, the use of masks in the school setting is not recommended." Reference is Public Health Guidance for Post Secondary and Boarding Schools regarding the Prevention and Management of Influenza-like-illness (ILI), Including the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza Virus. This document was posted August 19, 2009 by the Public Health Agency of Canada to its website.

Considerations prior to travel:“Colleges and universities should communicate with individuals who are traveling from other parts of the country or other countries in advance of their travel and advise them not to travel while ill.” This is a recommendation from the Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus in Colleges and Universities, published Sept. 9, 2009 by Ontario MOHLTC.

I sincerely hope that this information is helpful to you as you endeavour to foster a working environment that contributes to the health of our community. Thank you for your support on these very important issues.

Barbara Schumacher, MD
Director, Health Services