Keeping Nurses &Patients Safe
BCNU is working hard to ensure members have the information and equipment they need to protect themselves from H1N1. Update special on H1N1.

What is H1N1 influenza and who is most at risk?

Here's the most current information from The Public Health Agency of Canada.

How can BCNU members protect themselves from H1N1

BCNU wants maximum workplace protection — For suspected or confirmed cases, employers must provide nurses with fit-tested N-95 respirators, gloves, gowns, and face shields.

CFNU information

Read the Canadian Federation of Nurses' Union's policy directive "H1N1 Outbreak and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)".

CFNU has also produced a brochure and poster on preparing for H1N1.

Watch a video message from CFNU president Linda Silas.

Information about Flu Vaccines

BCNU supports the H1N1 flu vaccine as a preventative health measure. We encourage members who have concerns about the H1N1 vaccine and/or its' sequencing with the seasonal flu vaccine to speak to their family physician. Information on the H1N1 vaccine can be found on the Health Canada website.

BCNU encourages members to get an H1N1 flu shot.

Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Health has information on a staff survey and useful information on H1N1.

Workers have responsibilities to reduce their risk of exposure

• Attend education and training sessions.
• Follow safe work procedures, including hand washing and wearing Personal Protective Equipment, if applicable. More...

Scientific review supports precautionary principle

Literature review by aerosol expert Dr. LIsa Brosseau confirms the need for maximum workplace protection from H1N1 contamination.

US Institute of Medicine supports precautionary principle

Key report from prestigious institution backs call for maximum personal protection from H1N1.

Letter from BC Chief Health Officer

Dr. Perry Kendall discusses the issue in a letter regarding prevention guidelines.

Public Health Agency of Canada Clinical Guidelines

While this is a useful overview, BCNU disagrees with its recommendations regarding the use of surgical masks by health care workers around confirmed or suspected cases of H1N1. BCNU endorses the precautionary principle, which means the use of fit-tested N-95 respirators, in addition to gloves, gowns and face shields or goggles when caring for a confirmed or suspected cases. Contrary to PHAC, surgical masks do not provide adequate protection.

What must your employer do?

• Identify infectious diseases that are, or maybe, in the workplace.
• Develop and implement an exposure control plan, when required. More...

What can stewards do?

Stewards can ensure that employers are meeting the WorkSafeBC regulations and that the pandemic exposure control plan is in place.

To understand the regulations stewards can consult the WorkSafeBC guidelines.

To evaluate whether their employer's pandemic plan is adequate, stewards and members can use the WorkSafeBC exposure control plan evaluation.

WorkSafeBC addresses the issue of compensation for H1N1 influenza.

The BC government revises its plans for flu vaccines.

BC government information on H1N1.

BC Centre for Disease Control.

The WorkSafeBC Report on healthcare workers perceptions of pandemic planning and its impact on work.

WorkSafeBC booklet on Controlling Exposure to Workplace infectious disease.

WorkSafeBC booklet on H1N1 preparedness for small business.

Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety e-course on pandemic planning and how to stay healthy.