H1N1 – Preventing the Spread in Fitness Clubs

For Employers:

• Post signs in common areas and washrooms to remind people of proper hygiene practices.
• Ensure sick leave policies are realistic and reflect expected absenteeism rates. Sick employees should not feel the need to bring illness into your clubs simply to pay the bills. Understand that employees with families may need additional leave to care for infirm family members as healthcare facilities should not be over-taxed in a time of pandemic.
• In times of high influenza rates, where possible, allow employees to increase social distance (fewer face-to-face meetings or working from home).
• Consider requesting members who are showing signs of illness stay home until well.
• Post your pandemic procedures in publicly accessible areas so members know what you are doing to protect their health and what is expected of them.
• Unless proper washing facilities exist, limit the use of shared utensils or drinking vessels in your club. Advise avoiding the sharing of these items.

 

For Employees

• Know your employer’s sick leave policies.
• Ensure you follow all health-related polices.
• Practice good hygiene.
• In times of high influenza rates, increase social distance (fewer face-to-face meetings, nods instead of handshakes.)

 

Good Hygiene Practice

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand-washing is not available.
• Wipe down commonly used surfaces with disinfectant.
• Always have hand sanitizer available.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve. Tissues are also applicable for this situation, but remember to wash your hands after discarding a used tissue.
• Do not share eating utensils or drinking vessels.