Fed: Workers not at risk of flu: Australia Post

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2009
Fed: Workers not at risk of flu: Australia Post

SYDNEY, April 29 AAP - Postal workers are not at risk of contracting swine flu as a
result of handling international mail, Australia Post says.

The Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) has called for a full risk
assessment to be conducted amid concerns that postal workers regularly handle items from
Mexico.

Mexico has recorded seven confirmed deaths from swine flu, and more than 1,300 people
remain in hospital after exhibiting symptoms of the flu.

No other deaths have been reported in other countries, but the number of confirmed
or suspected cases has been on the rise around the world.

Expert advice showed there was no need for concern, Australia Post said in a statement
on Wednesday.

"We believe that there is no infectious risk for Australia Post staff handling mail
or parcels received from countries affected by Swine Influenza A, either at international
ports or internal airports," the Department of Health and Ageing informed Australia Post.

"No special handling precautions are necessary."

As the status of the flu was updated, Australia Post said it would seek further expert
advice about any potential risk to staff.

The unions's NSW branch secretary Jim Metcher has written to Australia Post asking
senior management to carry out a full risk assessment in order to protect the health and
safety of postal workers.

The union also wants Australia Post to guarantee its staff will have access to their
nominated doctor for any treatment and management of swine flu.

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KEYWORD: FLU POSTAL UPDATE

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