Cold, Flu and Transmissible Illness – Landscaping Stats and Facts

FACTS

In the landscaping industry, there are key hazards and risks.

  1. Spread of Illness: Close working conditions and shared tools in landscaping increase the risk of spreading colds, flu, and other transmissible illnesses.
  2. Decreased Performance: Illnesses can reduce physical and mental capacity.
  3. Extended Recovery: Harsh outdoor conditions can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery time.
  4. Weakened Immunity: Continuous exposure to tough weather can weaken workers’ immune systems.
  5. Increased Injury Risk: Fatigue and impaired focus from illness can raise the likelihood of accidents.
  6. Team Disruption: Sick workers’ absence can overburden healthy workers and delay projects.
  7. Economic Loss: Illness outbreaks can lead to significant financial losses from missed workdays, and reduced productivity

STATS

  • (CDC) reports that flu alone costs the U.S. economy an estimated $10.4 billion annually in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults.
  • In the USA, approximately 8% of the population gets sick with the flu each season, with estimates ranging from 3% to 11% depending on the severity of the season.
  • The CDC estimates that 12,000 to 56,000 deaths occur annually in the USA due to the flu.
  • Adults typically experience 2 to 3 colds per year, while children may catch colds even more frequently due to their close interactions in schools and daycare settings.
  • From August 27, 2023, to July 20, 2024, there were 4,498 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported across participating provinces and territories in Canada. Adults aged 65 and older accounted for 45% of these hospitalizations, with the highest rates among this demographic.
  • A total of 1,222 laboratory-confirmed influenza outbreaks were reported in Canada from August 2023 to July 2024.