Monsanto ~ H1N1 Flu Information ~ Ways to Protect Yourself in the Workplace

Our first priority is the health and safety of our employees. We are asking all of our people and our sites to take a number of precautions to provide guidance for creating a safe working environment.

Respiratory virus and bacteria are easily transmitted in crowded places and social situations that bring people in close proximity. Avoiding this will decrease the opportunities to transmit these infections. Social distancing measures for adults include provisions for both workplaces and the community and may play an important role in slowing or limiting community transmission pressure.

The goals of workplace measures are:

to reduce disease transmission within the workplace, and thus into the community at large
to ensure a safe working environment and promote confidence in the workplace
to maintain business continuity, especially for critical infrastructure.

Workplace measures such as encouragement of teleconferencing and other alternatives to in-person meetings may be important in reducing social contacts and the accompanying increased risk of transmission. Similarly, modifications to work schedules, such as staggered shifts, may also reduce transmission risk.

Requirements for success of these various measures include the commitment of Monsanto to providing options and making changes in work environments to reduce contacts while maintaining operations.

Recommended Social Distancing Strategies

“Social distancing” can help you avoid becoming infected with H1N1 flu or other infectious agents. Your goal is to avoid contact with others as much as possible. While this may seem rude in most cultures, it may be a life-saving tactic.

Here are some social distancing strategies:

Do not shake hands, hug or touch others. Try to keep at least 3-6 feet between yourself and other people at all times.
Avoid face-to-face meetings. Use e-mail, telephone calls and video conferencing to conduct necessary business.
If in-person meetings are absolutely necessary, choose a large meeting room, keep at least a one-meter distance between each person, and keep the meeting short.
Set up systems for interacting with clients and vendors electronically.
Delay or avoid travel. Cancel or postpone non-critical conferences, training sessions and meetings.
Work from home or work non-traditional hours to avoid crowding at the workplace.
Avoid public transportation. If you must use public transportation, travel at non-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Bring lunch and eat at your desk away from others.
Work out at home or exercise outdoors by yourself to avoid contact with others at the gym.