WASHINGTON, June 14 (UPI) -- Most U.S. employers are not prepared for an avian-flu pandemic if it strikes, according to a new survey.
The survey -- by Thompson Publishing Group -- found that 76 percent of the 468 American businesses that responded said they have no contingency plan for a bird-flu outbreak, even though 47 percent noted that their senior management considers the issue "important."
"Moderate estimates by the World Health Organization indicate that up to 25 percent of the workforce could be lost in a pandemic," said John Ortman, Thompson's editor in chief. "This should spur companies to protect against an outbreak."
The poll also revealed that, of the 63 percent of businesses that have a business contingency plan, only about one-quarter of those have plans specifically geared to a possible avian-flu pandemic.
Instead, the survey showed that most businesses focus on issues like human resources, remote work agreements, and IT/data processing when developing a plan.
Yet, companies might rethink those priorities.
According to Thompson, the World Bank predicts the economic consequences of a global pandemic could reach $800 billion a year, with the cost to the U.S. economy alone topping $625 billion.
"For employers, this means a contingency plan could be essential to their survival," Ortman said. "Developing programs to cross-train employees, creating telecommuting policies and revising sick leave allowances are recommended ways for an employer to prepare."
