What’s happening:
In response to the alarming rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in Israel, the Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene of the National Insurance Institute (IIOSH) has issued a set of workplace guidelines aimed at promoting safety and productivity.
Why it matters:
The recent whooping cough epidemic poses significant health threats – from pneumonia to potential brain damage and death in extreme cases. With a staggering increase in cases from 19 in 2022 to 1,235 as of November 2023, the IIOSH’s recommendations are pivotal to curtail the spread and impact of this highly infectious disease within the workplace.
Details of the advisory:
IIOSH’s directives to employers stress reducing physical contact through alternatives such as virtual meetings, embracing flexible schedules, ensuring robust in-office air quality and adequate sanitation, and pushing for employee vaccination to foster a safer and more sustainable work environment.
Urgent recommendations:
The issuance of the advisory includes urging immediate action such as vaccinations for pregnant women and those looking to shore up their defenses against pertussis with dTpa shots, employment of remote work options, and habitual cleanliness, which are advised to effectively stem the spread of the contagion at corporate levels.
Experts weigh in:
Dr. Miki Winkler, head of IIOSH, stresses the necessity of adapting workplace practices during this trying winter marked by a steep uptick in whooping cough occurrences. By heeding the expert guidelines orchestrated by IIOSH, businesses play a crucial role in safeguarding public health, continually monitoring the evolving dynamic as influenza season intensifies.
The bottom line:
As the whooping cough epidemic sweeps through Israel, clear, actionable guidance from health authorities such as IIOSH sets a crucial precedent for implementing precautionary measures that will be central in protecting the workforce and reducing economic strain.
This story was first published on jpost.com.