In the busy workplace, germs are often the last thing on employees' minds.
But did you know that it takes just four hours for germs to spread to surfaces in a workplace when only one employee is sick? Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water is the best way to prevent illness and stop the spread of bacteria, but employees should also know about several key workplace areas where germs tend to lurk.
Common areas in the office
Many offices have communal areas like break rooms, kitchens, and lounges. Throughout the course of a day, most employees visit these areas to eat lunch or step away from their desk for a few minutes. Surfaces that are frequently touched, but less regularly cleaned—such as light switches, chair handles, TV remote controls, refrigerator handles, and cabinet doors— are common places for germs to hide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold and flu viruses can live on these surfaces between five and six hours, and germs can be left behind even by those who aren't showing symptoms.
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When cleaning countertops and surfaces in common areas, think before using that old sponge or dishcloth. Instead, consider cleaning a countertop with a disinfectant kitchen cleaner, then wiping down with a disposable paper towel. This absorbs moisture and kills the bacteria that grow in this type of environment. Don't be afraid to throw away those dishcloths, and disinfect sponges by placing them in the microwave. Many believe microwaving a sponge on high for two minutes kills about 99 percent of all germs that may lurk on these objects. Just make sure the sponge is wet before placing it in the microwave.
Meeting rooms, another area where employees often congregate, are also a hot spot for germs. To limit the number of germs spread to the conference room table, stock the meeting room with tissues and a hand sanitizer dispenser. Keep a waste basket within reach so employees can easily dispose of dirty tissues without setting them on the conference table to throw away later.
At your desk, computer keyboards are dirtier than you might think. They retain lots of dust, dirt, and bacteria – sometimes even 20,000 times as many germs as the average toilet seat. Many sources recommend using a can of compressed air to remove crumbs, dust and dirt between the keys while using a damp, soft cloth to wipe the keys and keyboard. Other germy surfaces at workplaces that should be cleaned regularly include water fountains and elevators.
Germy surfaces at other worksites
For employees who don't work in a typical office environment, germs should be just as much as a concern.
Truck drivers, for example, should be especially conscious of the number of germs and bacteria in the cab, since this is essentially where they live while on the road. Scientists say a truck cab may carry 1,000 bacteria for every 1.5 square inches. Steering wheels get particularly dirty and have been found to carry nine times as many germs as a toilet seat, so they should be cleaned daily.
Warehouse workers are also exposed to germs, especially when they use shared equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks and dollies. Operators should clean these areas frequently, using antibacterial sprays. At warehouses and other industrial sites, keep cleaning supplies on-hand and easily accessible throughout the worksite. Employees clean more often when they have easy access to supplies.
Practicing prevention everyday
Beyond hand washing, carrying a small tube of hand sanitizer to apply after coming into contact with certain surfaces in the office helps stop the spread of germs. Just make sure the hand sanitizer contains at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol – the optimal level for killing germs.
Hand sanitizer should complement, not take the place of, hand washing. While it may kill many germs on contact, most hand sanitizers only provide protection for a couple minutes after use. They also do not protect against certain germs, like norovirus – which causes the stomach bug.
Washing your hands after visiting or touching these germy places at work, using hand sanitizers, remembering to clean often and understanding how to prevent the spread of germs will ultimately contribute to a healthier, happier workplace.
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