As we transition into cooler weather, many people find themselves battling illness. Even though you may be great at keeping a clean, germ-free home, what about workplace germs? Did you know that the typical employee’s workstation has more bacteria per square inch than an office toilet seat? Door handles, shared kitchen appliances, desks, phones and other private surfaces are also prime habitats for the viruses and bacteria that cause colds, the flu, strep throat, pneumonia and other illnesses.
Even if you keep your workspace clean, it may be not free of workplace germs. Keep the following points in mind and share them with your co-workers:
- Germ-busting at the workplace is a team effort. It only takes one person to infect healthy co-workers.
- Regular cleaning of personal work spaces kills bacteria and stops the spread of germs.
- Frequent cleaning of shared workplaces (door handles, coffee pots, light switches, work equipment, etc.) is essential in maintaining sanitary safety. Disinfection is the goal, so be sure to use a true disinfectant, not just an anti-bacterial product. Daily disinfection reduces bacteria levels by 99%, drastically lowering the risk of illness.
- Be considerate of others and cough or sneeze into tissues, your sleeve or the crook of your arm. Wash your hands often and sanitize using alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel. Consider having these in any common areas, including kitchens and washrooms.
Doing your part to kill workplace germs will help keep yourself and your co-workers healthy. Did you know that many health insurance plans also offer free or discounted flu shots? Don’t know how your plan covers the flu shot? We can help. Call us today.