Developing a Pandemic Management and Response Framework for a Media Organization: A Case Study

Abstract

Background Beyond causing severe health outcomes and mortality, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted global business operations. The media industry faces unique challenges to infection prevention, including frequent travel, in-person interviews, and coverage of large events. However, industry-specific guidance for effective pandemic response was scarce at pandemic onset. This case study describes the development of a comprehensive pandemic management and response framework for an international digital media and broadcasting organization. Methods Our team worked in tandem with the media organization to conduct risk assessments of business operations affected by COVID-19. Based on governmental guidance, scientific evidence, and industry best practice, we developed a comprehensive framework to address industry-specific challenges and mitigate COVID-19 risk for workers and surrounding communities. Results Based on organization-specific considerations and risks, plans were created describing how to resume normal operations. We established a hazard matrix for essential operations based on field assignment characteristics and community transmission. Best practices were developed for unique industry challenges, including personal protective equipment utilization, cleaning and handling equipment, transportation, and interview subject selection. The framework incorporated stages of risk and response with flexibility to adjust protections based on triggers. Adhering to this framework, the organization was able to continue assignments with minimal disruption while minimizing COVID-19 transmission risk among employees and communities where they were deployed. Conclusions A comprehensive pandemic response plan is critical to minimize disruption of essential industries, to protect worker health and safety, and reduce the risk of occupational outbreaks contributing to community transmission. Incorporating a hazard matrix and industry-specific best practices allows organizations to appropriately assess and respond to transmission risk throughout various business operations and stages of the pandemic. Organizations across industries can apply a similar framework tailored to their unique operations to promote business continuity while protecting workers and communities. Beyond causing severe health outcomes and mortality, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted global business operations. The media industry faces unique challenges to infection prevention, including frequent travel, in-person interviews, and coverage of large events. However, industry-specific guidance for effective pandemic response was scarce at pandemic onset. This case study describes the development of a comprehensive pandemic management and response framework for an international digital media and broadcasting organization. Our team worked in tandem with the media organization to conduct risk assessments of business operations affected by COVID-19. Based on governmental guidance, scientific evidence, and industry best practice, we developed a comprehensive framework to address industry-specific challenges and mitigate COVID-19 risk for workers and surrounding communities. Based on organization-specific considerations and risks, plans were created describing how to resume normal operations. We established a hazard matrix for essential operations based on field assignment characteristics and community transmission. Best practices were developed for unique industry challenges, including personal protective equipment utilization, cleaning and handling equipment, transportation, and interview subject selection. The framework incorporated stages of risk and response with flexibility to adjust protections based on triggers. Adhering to this framework, the organization was able to continue assignments with minimal disruption while minimizing COVID-19 transmission risk among employees and communities where they were deployed. A comprehensive pandemic response plan is critical to minimize disruption of essential industries, to protect worker health and safety, and reduce the risk of occupational outbreaks contributing to community transmission. Incorporating a hazard matrix and industry-specific best practices allows organizations to appropriately assess and respond to transmission risk throughout various business operations and stages of the pandemic. Organizations across industries can apply a similar framework tailored to their unique operations to promote business continuity while protecting workers and communities.