Offices are breeding grounds for germs.
Why do you think everybody has colds and bugs all the time? We’re literally passing the same germs around, and our unsavoury habits don’t help matters.
From not washing our hands, to digging into communal snacks, to coming in even when we’re contagious – there are plenty of reasons why you’re more likely to get ill from working in an office.
Luckily, there are some quick fixes to help limit your exposure to germs and keep you fighting fit. We asked workplace health and safety expert Mark Flanagan, from Shield Safety Group, for his tips on avoiding the office lurgy.
Wash your hands
‘Effective handwashing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of infection,’ says Mark.
‘So it is incredibly important to regularly clean your hands and disinfect common contact points such as your phone and keyboard.’
Mark says the most important thing to remember is to keep dirty fingers away from your face.
‘This is key,’ he adds. ‘Don’t underestimate the impact of hand hygiene to help stop the spread of viruses and other germs.’
Good personal hygiene
‘A high level of hygiene should be encouraged in all workplaces, and it helps to lead from the top,’ says Mark.
He adds that senior staff must set an example, and promote this as the unwavering daily routine.
‘Involve the team in any health or hygiene decisions, and don’t forget to ask their opinion on what is lacking in their environment,’ he explains.
‘This could flag issues that otherwise may have been missed, which would ultimately be a detriment to occupational hygiene.’
Keep tissues and hand santiser nearby
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser – one that contains at least 60% alcohol.
It won’t remove all kinds of germs, but it can instantly lower the number of germs on your hands, meaning you’re less likely to get sick.
Covering your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and immediately throwing it away is another important way to stop the spread of nasty bugs.
Tidying tools
‘In work, it is helpful to take measures to limit day-to-day germ exposure to staff and provide them with the necessary tools to keep themselves clean and healthy,’ says Mark.
‘Hand soap, running water and something suitable to dry your hands on are all legal requirements.
‘Everybody benefits from a clean and tidy environment, and feminine and nappy disposal are all encouraged as best practice, particularly if the general public visit your workplace.’
Share the load
Mark says that a truly clean office with fewer germs can only be achieved if everyone is pulling their weight. The responsibility can’t just fall to one person.
‘Promote a caring environment within the workplace,’ he suggests. ‘Especially in open-plan offices, or those that have a lot of contract with the general public, occupational hygiene is something that should be adopted as an essential routine for all employees.
‘Look after the health of fellow colleagues by keeping an eye on cleanliness and tidiness, after all it’s much nicer and safer to work in a clean, tidy and germ-free environment.
‘Try to avoid looking at maintaining a hygienic and tidy workplace as a chore, but more as looking out for each other, and part of the job.’
Book in some training
Health and Safety training is a legal requirement and will help you know exactly how to uphold occupational hygiene standards, says Mark.
‘You can also get help and advice from a company like Shield Safety Group for a health and safety risk assessment.
‘They can assess your workplace for you and give expert guidance and tips to improve safety and prevent the spread of disease and infection in a busy workplace.’
Disinfect communal items
In open-plan offices, sharing keyboards, phones and desk spaces can be commonplace – but you can’t guarantee that the person who used the computer before you had clean hands.
Make sure you’re disinfecting these things using wipes or a spray, on a regular basis. And try to limit how much you have to share your space and your office equipment.
One of the best ways to stop bugs and illnesses spreading like wildfire through your office is to simply stay home when you’re not well.
Presenteeism is overrated, and coming into the office when you’re ill can put your colleagues at risk and make you sicker for longer. So it’s probably not worth it.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/03/make-sure-dont-get-sick-germ-ridden-office-12173720/
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