Business Continuity Planning for Small and Medium Enterprises - Guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises

Sep 22, 2026

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Business Continuity Planning for Small and Medium Enterprises provides practical guidelines to increase resilience and mitigate risk so organizations can remain prepared for crisis recovery. The material explains pandemic threats and emphasizes livelihood protection, safe workplace practices, and compliance with international health regulations. It outlines objectives shaped by ILO activities against influenza outbreaks, including information sharing and preventive behavior, and supports contingency planning to protect workers from Pandemic Human Influenza.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPaper Templates

FormatPDF

Pages60

Reading Time21 min

AccessFree to download

Foreword

Objectives of ILO pandemic response

Practical preventive actions for SMEs

Purpose of the manual and how to use it

ILO Programme on Crisis Response and reconstruction (ILO/CRISIS) Copyright © International Labour Organization 2009 First published 2009 Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation, application should be made to ILO Publications (Rights and Permissions), International Labour Office, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland, [or by email:](or by email: pubdroit@ilo.org. The)[ ](or by email: pubdroit@ilo.org. The)[pubdroit@ilo.org](or by email: pubdroit@ilo.org. The)[. The](or by email: pubdroit@ilo.org. The) International Labour Office welcomes such applications. Libraries, institutions and other users registered with reproduction rights organizations may make copies in accordance with the licences issued to them for this purpose. Visit [www.ifrro.org](www.ifrro.org) to find the reproduction rights organization in your country. ILO Cataloguing in Publication Data Business continuity planning: guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises / International Labour Office. -Geneva: ILO, 2009 57 p. ISBN: 9789221228295; 9789221228301 (web pdf) International Labour Office guide / small enterprise / corporate planning / management strategy 03.04.5 ILO Cataloguing in Publication Data The designations employed in ILO publications, which are in conformity with United Nations practice, and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the International Labour Office concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or ofits authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. The responsibility for opinions expressed in signed articles, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and publication does not constitute an endorsement by the International Labour Office of the opinions expressed in them. Reference to names of firms and commercial products and processes does not imply their endorsement by the International Labour Office, and any failure to mention a particular firm, commercial product or process is not a sign of disapproval. ILO publications and electronic products can be obtained through major booksellers or ILO local offices in many countries, or direct from ILO Publications, International Labour Office, CH- 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland. Catalogues or lists of new publications are available free of charge from the above address, [or by email:](or by email: pubvente@ilo.org)[ ](or by email: pubvente@ilo.org)[pubvente@ilo.org](or by email: pubvente@ilo.org) [Visit our website:](Visit our website: www.ilo.org/publns)[ ](Visit our website: www.ilo.org/publns)[www.ilo.org/publns](Visit our website: www.ilo.org/publns) Printed in Switzerland PREVENT AND PREPARE FOR PANDEMICS BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING Guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises Increasing resilience and mitigating risk to enhance preparedness for crisis recovery BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES Foreword With workers, employers and communities facing the possibility of a catastrophic pandemic, three years ago the ILO launched efforts to combat the effects of influenza outbreaks on livelihoods and health and safety in the workplace. Its unique tripartite structure places it in an extremely favourable position to address the concerns of governments, employers and workers regarding the threats posed by the disease. ILO’s goals are twofold: first, to grapple with the current effects of the most recent influenza strains (avian and swine) in the workplace, promoting good practices that can limit their spread, and second, to encourage preparedness in case of a pandemic. The ILO started being actively involved on influenza issues when it hosted a technical worksho

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the business continuity planning guidelines for SMEs?

To help small and medium-sized enterprises develop contingency plans that protect workers and strengthen preparedness for crisis recovery, especially during pandemic situations.

Which two goals guide the ILO’s efforts discussed in the foreword?

To address the effects of recent influenza strains in workplaces through good practices that limit spread, and to encourage preparedness for a potential pandemic.

How do the guidelines help improve workplace outcomes beyond preparedness?

They promote better work conditions and efficiency, noting that even simple measures such as regular cleaning of equipment and proper storage of materials can reduce hazards.

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Jake