Keeping your workplace safe and sanitised. As one can imagine, due to the high number of people passing through a workplace, the office is one of the largest centers of infection. Contagious infections, bacteria and germs are often passed from person to person through direct and indirect contact. For example, by the regular use of various surfaces and objects by multiple people in an environment, simple conversation or even one’s personal belongings. As we have to come to learn as a global community, viruses like COVID-19 are easily transmissible and should therefore be carefully addressed. As we begin to return to a ‘normal’ civilisation here in South Africa we need to practice vigilance and caution. Here is a list of precautions one can implement to stop the spread of infection in shared workplace environments.
Hand Hygiene
Throughout the global COVID-19 Pandemic, the medical leaders at the WHO has advised that hand hygiene is fundamental for the in decreasing your risk of infection. Since we frequently touch our mouth, nose and face, we can easily transfer germs to our bodies, or even contaminate common communal surfaces such as light switches, coffee machines, hand rails, door handles and taps.
Additionally, respiratory bacteria and viruses are also spread through mucus and salvia by coughing, sneezing, laughing or even simply talking to another. Contaminated droplets are released into the air and can travel onto another individual, or surrounding surfaces. Therefore, aim to educate and encourage employees to practice regular hand sanitisation. Furthermore, encourage that they use a tissue or the inside of their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Eliminating Hand-to-Face contact transmission
Hand-to-face transmission is the most common way in which germs and bacteria spread and cause disease. While hand washing should always be encouraged, simply being aware of the hand-to-mouth nature of transmission will allow employees to regulate their own activity. During an outbreak, employees should refrain from hand shaking. Additionally, they should be encouraged to keep their personal items, office equipment and work areas clean and sanitized. After all, maintaining a clean workplace decreases your risk of transporting germs to your home.
Surface hygiene
Think of any surface that you may come into contact with, and it could be a source of contamination. As mentioned above, contaminated droplets released into the air can land on various surfaces that you come into contact with. Ensure the surfaces around you are frequently sanitized to decrease your risk of infection. View our range of cleaning and disinfection products that you can make use of.
Food safety in the workplace
Snacks and lunch breaks are often consumed at your desk or in a communal cafeteria. Eating spreads food particles around your work place, and can also attract other traveling particles and bacteria. Ensuring old food and food particles are disposed of correctly will prevent any further germs from growing and manifesting into infectious microorganisms.
There are many obstacles that need to be addressed when creating a safe work environment for you and your fellow employees. Take on the responsibility to maintain a clean and healthy environment for yourself. For more information on how to prevent infection, please visit the World Health Organisation