How to Ensure Employee Safety During the Flu Season in Canada

April 11, 2025
Posted by HTT Safety

Introduction

As flu season approaches, employers across Canada must take proactive steps to keep their workplaces safe. With the lingering impact of COVID-19, ensuring a clean, healthy, and virus-free environment is more important than ever.

Workplace flu outbreaks can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and heightened health risks—especially in industries with high foot traffic, office spaces, or healthcare settings.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Practical flu prevention strategies
✅ The role of masks and hand sanitizers in reducing infection risks
✅ Creating a flu-safe workplace with proper hygiene and ventilation
✅ Encouraging employees to follow best practices

Step 1: Promote Regular Hand Hygiene

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu from spreading in the workplace.

✔ Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) in high-traffic areas.
✔ Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
✔ Install touchless dispensers for convenience and to reduce surface contamination.

Recommended Product: Shop Hand Sanitizers

Step 2: Encourage the Use of Protective Masks

Masks help reduce the spread of flu viruses, especially in crowded workplaces.

High-filtration masks (like N95, KN95, or ASTM Level 3 surgical masks) provide added protection.
Reusable fabric masks are great for non-medical settings with lower risk.
Ensure proper mask-wearing etiquette, covering both the nose and mouth securely.

Recommended Product: Explore Workplace Masks

Step 3: Maintain a Clean & Disinfected Workspace

Germs can survive on surfaces for hours—or even days! Regular cleaning reduces the risk of workplace infections.

✔ Disinfect shared surfaces like desks, keyboards, doorknobs, and communal areas.
✔ Use EPA-approved disinfectants that kill flu viruses and bacteria.
✔ Encourage employees to wipe down their personal workspaces daily.

Pro Tip: Consider UV air sanitizers or HEPA air purifiers for added protection.

Step 4: Improve Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation

Poor ventilation can increase the risk of airborne flu transmission.

✔ Increase airflow by opening windows or using mechanical ventilation systems.
✔ Upgrade HVAC systems with high-efficiency filters (MERV-13 or higher).
✔ Use air purifiers to capture airborne flu viruses and bacteria.

Investing in air quality improvements not only reduces flu risks but also boosts employee well-being!

Step 5: Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

One of the biggest mistakes employers make? Allowing sick employees to come to work.

✔ Implement a flexible sick leave policy to encourage workers to rest and recover.
✔ Offer remote work options where possible.
✔ Educate employees on early flu symptoms so they can recognize when to stay home.

Remember: A sick employee in the office can infect the entire team within days.

Protect Your Workforce with HTT Safety

Flu season doesn’t have to disrupt your workplace. By taking proactive safety measures, you can keep your employees healthy, productive, and protected.