Reducing the Spread of Germs at Work

The flu, as well as other viruses, can lead to losses in workplace productivity due to absenteeism from workers who are themselves sick or those who must stay home to care for others. If you control the spread of germs in the workplace, you might reduce the number of cases of flu suffered by your employees. Here are some simple tips to help keep respiratory infections and many other contagious diseases from spreading, especially during the cough, cold and “flu” season.

What is Respiratory Infections?

Respiratory Infections affects nose, throat and lungs, they include influenza “the flu”, colds, pertussis “whooping cough. The germs also known as virus and bacteria that cause these infections are spread from person to person in droplets form the nose, throat, and lungs of someone who is sick.

How germs can spread?

The flu and other infections generally are spread by coughing, sneezing, talking near to someone and by touching un-sanitized hands to the face. Unwashed hands can pose an equal hazard in the workplace by spreading germs. Germs can be spread when people touch common surfaces, such as equipment, dispensers, doorknobs and handles in common areas like bathroom and break rooms.

Germ prevention Strategies

Workers who are ill, should, ideally, stay at home until they are better. Those who come to work while they are sick should take precautions to avoid spreading germs to co-workers. Here are some strategies to keep you from spreading your germs and illness to other employees.

Stay at home. When you know you are sick, staying at home from work while you are sick will not only helps from preventing spreading your illness to others but also it will help you feel better soon too.

Avoid close contact. Avoiding close contact with your co-workers will protect them from getting sick too.

Do not cover your mouth or nose with your hands. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or your inner arm. Sneezing and coughing into your hands causes germs to spread like through everything you touch throughout the day. Germs are often spread when a person touches a surface or object that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Sanitize your hand. Use sanitizer before and after using office supplies and appliances. This will not only keep your from spreading germs, but also will fight off any germs from your co-worker.

Wash your hands. Make sure you wash your hands before touching any surface that many other people touch, like doorknobs, phones and handrails. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Clean up your workspace. Having a messy or dirty desk gives germs and bacteria a great place to live. Ensure regular, thorough surface cleaning takes place in all common areas. It is recommended that work facilities are professionally deep cleaned to prevent the build-up of hidden embedded dirt and contamination, and the associated microorganisms. Again, specialist surface cleaners give long-lasting protection of surfaces against reinfection.

If you go into work sick, it spreads the chances of others getting an illness. But it’s not a foregone conclusion they’ll be ill. Keep the office spotless, use sanitizers, wash your hands and most importantly, keep your workspace clean. If you need a specialist to help you maintain your workspace spotless and germ free, contact Clean Green Solutions at www.cleangreenvancouver.ca.