Boost workplace wellness and fight the flu this season

While many Oregonians welcome the signs of fall, there's one big downside to the cooler weather: flu season.

Luckily, SAIF has assembled a team of Flu Fighters to help keep your workplace healthy. "We know a most people are familiar with simple precautions to avoid getting or spreading the flu," said Sabrina Freewynn, Total Worker Health consultant at SAIF. "But we want to make sure people realize flu season is nearly here, so now is the time to prepare."

To help remind workers how to keep their workplaces healthy, SAIF is issuing a new comic strip today. In it, SAIF's Flu Fighters—Andy Septic, Maxine Vaccine, Sleevie Nix, and Hans Washer—are joined by a new hero: Colin Sick.

"We usually think of the flu as something that keeps us sick in bed," said Freewynn. "But the reality is a lot of people still feel like they have to be at work. Not only does that increase the risk of infecting your co-workers, it also means you are not able to be fully attentive, making you more at risk for injury on the job."

Freewynn reiterates the following tips to keep your workplace healthy this season:

• Get Vaccinated. In fact, the CDC recommends people get their flu vaccine by the end of October. Find out where to get your flu shot at flushot.healthmap.org.
• Wash your hands. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or elbow—not your hand.
• Make healthy choices. Eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, get good sleep, manage stress, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise. 
• If you do get sick, stay home. Oregon law requires employers with 10 or more employees to provide 40 hours of paid leave per year.

Businesses can also consider having a contingency plan for this time of year, to account for employees being out sick. Contingency plans could include bringing in additional staff, addressing staffing shortfalls, and communicating to employees about the plan. This helps reduce stress for co-workers without exposing them to the flu.

For more information on flu prevention at work, including free Flu Fighter posters, visit saif.com/flu. Posters are also available in Spanish at saif.com/trabajador.

About SAIF

SAIF is Oregon's not-for-profit workers' compensation insurance company. For more than 100 years, we've been taking care of injured workers, helping people get back to work, and striving to make Oregon the safest and healthiest place to work. For more information, visit the About SAIF page on saif.com.