Gisele Norris, national director of Aon’s Healthcare Alternative Risk practice, issued a statement saying that the company believes the potential business impact of a swine flu outbreak is real and needs to be addressed. She said that with today’s highly mobile, interdependent and interconnected business environment, there are many opportunities for an infectious disease to spread.

Aon has offered six steps to help mitigate any potential business impacts and risks from the swine flu including determining the availability of backup suppliers to ensure that the supply chain is uninterrupted. Succession planning for all levels of the organization should be conducted. Processes for sending important information to employees is needed in the case of a pandemic.

Also, she says that some protocol should be developed to allow employees to take sick days or make alternate work arrangements, including telecommuting. Employees will also need to be aware of any travel restrictions or protocols that may be in place.

Finally, she said that a plan of action needs to be constructed in case an employee is suspected of having swine flu or symptoms, especially as the strain can be contagious for three to four days before the first symptoms appear.