A reader writes: “I appreciate your comments about the Ebola issue but am hesitant to fly or have contact with others while this risk is growing. How do you suggest I deal with it and how do I provide leadership to my staff?”

 

I appreciate your concerns but panic on misinformation does not help anyone. Again, thorough hand washing is much better than the sanitizer which is just a stop gap. Please understand that my comments are suggestive in nature since we all need to take what precautions we can in our own situation. 

 

The chances of any of us getting Ebola are miniscule but those who travel (planes, hotels, etc.) are at a slightly higher risk. The challenge is to practice safe hygiene protocols assuming there is a potential risk, even if it is very small. Those on the airline flights had no idea they were sitting next to or in the seat of a person who may have been an active carrier at the time of their travel. There will surely be more incidents and possible deaths with more false alarms that will have to be dealt with on a case by case basis. The media is not really helping in some of their reports. The apocalyptic scare movies are probably not helping either. 

 

There is absolutely no reason to panic or change our life styles other than the suggested precautions and commons sense similar to avoiding the flu. One benefit should be a radical reduction in flu this year if we all follow safe practices realizing there are a lot of other common pathogens out there that really can reach us. 

 

The bottom line is go to www.osha.gov to get real facts and guidance. Although CDC is struggling, they still have the best information and are actually getting up to speed. 

 

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…..

 

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.

 


posted on 11/7/2014