Monsanto ~ H1N1 Flu Information ~ Monsanto H1N1 Alert Levels

Monsanto maintains a central Global Preparedness Steering Committee that continually monitors the H1N1 situation. The Steering Committee uses World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and regional or local government guidance to establish the Monsanto Alert Levels.

These alert levels are defined for the purpose of triggering internal actions. These actions build on the previous level, meaning all actions taken at an earlier level will remain in place at higher levels.

H1N1 Alert Level 3

Monsanto Preparedness

Identify and communicate infection rates within local community and communicate all suspected ILI cases to the Global Occupational Medicine group
Develop relationships and coordinate with local government health agency and healthcare system
Facilitate seasonal flu, pneumococcal and H1N1 vaccination programs
Assess tasks that impact social distancing and design control strategies for those tasks
Implement High Risk Group Assessment Program
Verify adequate supplies are available (PPE, Thermometers, hand hygiene, etc.).
Utilize Personal Protective Equipment when appropriate, following the Global PPE Matrix
Pre-plan for the implementation of Pandemic Spread Control Program
Develop or assess contractor, temporary and seasonal worker programs and communicate Monsanto pandemic plan components as appropriate
Monitor travel advisories and educate traveling employees on the need to carry a prescription of antiviral medication
Assess procedure for responding to Influenza-like Illnesses or other contagious respiratory infections at the site
Implement program for the evaluation and referral of workers that develop influenza-like illness symptoms while at work or call off work with potential ILI symptoms
Review and update business continuity plan
Promote the development of family preparedness plans

Employee and Family Preparedness

Understand the H1N1 flu, the way it is spread, clinical signs and symptoms, early diagnosis and treatment
Know what to do if infected
Keep your manager informed of your status
Understand prevention methods: hand-washing, cover your cough and sneeze, social distancing, avoid crowds when indicated
Know what to do if you are at high risk for complications if infected by H1N1
Establish a relationship with a medical provider to have easy access to treatment when necessary
Know how to use the self-assessment and temperature checks
Know to stay away from work for seven days and establish social distancing if infected
Develop a family preparedness plan
Be informed!

H1N1 Alert Level 4

Monsanto Preparedness
Follow all recommendations at Level 3, plus:

Provide intense education and communication campaigns around hand hygiene, cough etiquette, social distancing and flu prevention
- Practice cough etiquette and increased hand hygiene
- Avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes
Conduct a drill or table top exercise on the implementation of the Pandemic Spread Control program
Provide voluntary Influenza-like Illness symptom questionnaire for self assessment by workers
High risk groups should practice social distancing and make contact with their physicians
Implement contractor, temporary and seasonal worker program components
Recommend implementation of family preparedness plan
Travel related actions: make accommodations for high-risk employees to limit air travel, monitor regional travel alerts and review travel section of supervisor program

Employee and Family Preparedness
All workers, need to maintain all Level 3 actions, and:

Continuous education about H1N1
Use self-assessment questionnaire and temperature checks when appropriate
Cover your cough and sneeze
Hygiene: hand- washing is stressed. When water is not nearby, have alcohol gel that’s at least 63% alcohol and soap available
Avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes
When experiencing the flu or suspected H1N1 flu stay home for seven days or longer until symptoms are gone
Learn about and practice voluntary social distancing
Implement family preparedness plan
Workers at high risk
- Consult with their medical provider. If any limitation in activities is recommended discuss with your manager and HR
- In consultation with your manager, implement protective and preventive steps: limit at work and off-the-job meetings, avoid crowded places, perform self checks and practice proper hygiene
- Secure access to medical care established before problems appear
- Seek medical care early and often
- Use self-assessment questionnaire and temperature checks when appropriate

H1N1 Alert Level 5-6

Monsanto Preparedness
Follow all recommendations at Level 4, plus:

Recommend social distancing of 3-6 feet (1-2 meters), i.e. meetings, cafeteria, travel, etc.
Review task assessment and implement social distancing measures to provide more space between people (transportation, meetings, work areas, cafeteria, etc.)
Continue strict policy of evaluation and referral of workers that develop influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms
Implement a pandemic spread control program required for all employees, contractors and visitors entering a site
Implement additional requirements for contractor, temporary and seasonal workers
Monitor travel advisories and country specific quarantine information

Employee and Family Preparedness

Workers at high risk see the doctor and avoid crowds. Make arrangements to have alternative work-home duties
Follow all recommendations for Level 4
Recommend social distancing i.e.: meetings, elevators, cafeteria
Use voluntary self questionnaires for influenza and temperature checks
Social distancing measures to have more space between people (transportation, large meetings of all kinds, work)
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if you are an emergency responder, are at high risk, or are sick with H1N1