OLF calls on the companies to update pandemic plans, OLF

Release Date: 2009-05-13

OLF is calling on the oil and gas industry to update its plans for handling pandemic influenza after the outbreak of swine influenza in Mexico spread to other countries.

OLF's goal is that the industry shall be prepared should a pandemic influenza strike the industry. Guidelines have therefore been prepared that deal with how the companies can prevent infected personnel from coming to the installations and how the disease should be handled if cases are detected offshore. “We call on companies with operations offshore to update their plans for handling pandemic influenza. OLF’s guidelines can be a good tool for this,” says Knut Thorvaldsen, Director HSE and operations in OLF.  International focus The World Health Organization, WHO, is coordinating the global response in places where people have been infected by swine influenza (H1N1), and is monitoring whether the spread of the disease is developing into a pandemic influenza. WHO’s work can be followed on the organization’s website.  In Norway, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health is monitoring the situation. Recommendations are published on their website.  
Specific guidelines: If contagion is detected on an offshore installation, OLF guidelines 109 - Handling of pandemic influenza on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (Norwegian only) – provide specific advice on how the disease can be handled. Measures include:
Instructing the patient in the use of face masks or gauze masks (suitable types: P2 and P3) when in contact with others. (Nurses use similar masks for clinical examinations)
Isolating the patient and beginning treatment in cooperation with the responsible physician.
Evacuating the patient as soon as possible using dedicated transport (e.g. helicopter). (Transport personnel shall use appropriate protective gear). The patient is transported ashore in consultation with the doctor on duty or responsible physician. Close cooperation with local health authorities is a prerequisite when choosing a suitable destination (appropriate medical facility, transport to home or hotel).

Information and notification to relevant health authorities must comply with specific requirements.

Minimise travel and visits to offshore installations during the pandemic period.

SOURCE: OLF

Type:	NORMAL
Company:	OLF
Country:	Norway