We are entering a new phase in our fight against the pandemic. Employees are returning to their offices, schools and nurseries are reopening, and the hospitality industry is welcoming guests again. Despite these exciting changes, COVID-19 is still a danger and it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading disease in the workplace. How can employers protect their returning staff? We have a few key tips for you.
#1 Disinfect phones and computers
A study by Deloitte recently showed that employees check their phones more than 50 times a day. This activity is not without risk. According to a study by the University of Arizona, there are 10 times more germs on a mobile phone than on a toilet seat. This is because, while toilets in the workplace are cleaned frequently, there is no regular hygiene routine for smartphones. In some companies, the same smartphone is used by several people, resulting in easy germ transmission. Wiping your phone with disinfectant before handing it to another person is a crucial step in helping to prevent the spread of disease.
The same issue is true of computers. Viruses and bacteria can transfer from your hands to your keyboard and the next user can inadvertently pick these up. In this way, those germs can easily spread from person to person. In all offices, but especially in industries where not every employee has their own desk, make sure that disinfectant wipes are readily available and used to clean equipment between different users.
#2. Clean door handles regularly
We touch countless handles and buttons every day, which all have the potential to be covered in germs. We recommend placing hand sanitiser dispensers at key locations throughout your building, particularly at doorways that experience frequent use. This way, employees can immediately disinfect their hands after having touched the door, reducing the risk of germs spreading through the building.
#3. Make hand hygiene a routine for your employees
In addition to making hygiene solutions readily available, employers should remind their employees to use them. Staff should practice hand washing with soap and water regularly, particularly before preparing and eating food, and after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet. Posters with instructions in the washrooms can help to remind them of the need for hand hygiene, and the proper protocol for washing.
#4. Hand out a hygiene kit for commuters
If staff are unable to travel to work without using public transport, ensure that they have the tools to help keep them safe whilst travelling. We recommend putting together a commuter kit for employees so that they can practice good hygiene on the way to and from work. Bottles of hand sanitiser and packs of hygiene wipes will be hugely appreciated and will help to ensure your employees stay healthy.
#5. Choose high quality hygiene products
Many products listed as hand sanitisers, including some released on the market during the COVID-19 pandemic, do not have biocidal properties. Biocidal products are proven to kill germs according to European EN norms whereas non biocidal hand cleaners give an artificial impression of cleanliness with no guarantee of effective germ kill. Some of these products are ineffective or unpleasant to use. It is important to use quality products that have been properly tested. Make sure that any products you choose are biocidal and contain moisturisers to help keep your skin healthy.
Keep well!
