OBJECTIVE:

To determine essential workers' ability and willingness to report to duty during a serious pandemic outbreak and to identify modifiable risk factors.

METHODS:

Workers (N = 1103) from six essential workgroups completed an anonymous, cross-sectional survey.

RESULTS:

Although a substantial proportion of participants reported that they would be able (80%), fewer would be willing (65%) to report to duty. Only 49% of participants would be both able and willing. Factors significantly associated with ability/willingness included individual-level (eg, intentions to adhere to respiratory protection and pandemic vaccination recommendations) and organizational-level factors (eg, preparedness planning for respiratory protection and worker vaccination programs).

CONCLUSIONS:

During a serious pandemic event, non-illness-related shortfalls among essential workers could be substantial. Organizational preparedness efforts should focus on worker protection programs and the development of policies that would facilitate the attendance of healthy workers.