Promoting good hygiene in the workplace

Workplaces, Schools and other buildings with high levels of people frequenting them can be a common place for germs to be spread, the higher the number of people the greater the risk. Bacteria and viruses can be spread very quickly from person to person either by touch or in the case of COVID-19 in droplets in the air.

It has never been more important to promote good hygiene in the workplace and reduce the risk of infection.

Every business, school and healthcare facility will have different hygiene requirements based on the size and function, some will also have specific requirements to the industry they are in. But what does apply to all, is that since16th March when most of the UK went into lockdown, and from the time we were first made aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important messages has been the importance of good hygiene.

As a business, school, healthcare facility or other industry, it is important to encourage people on your premises to follow good hygiene guidance and ensure there are facilities available to allow this. Use signage to remind people at strategic locations about hand washing or face coverings, one way systems or other requirements on your premises to help encourage compliance.

There is clear advice about how important good hand wash is and how to wash hands effectively. We have been advised that you must wash your hands for a good 20 seconds and this NHS video shows you the best way to wash your hands clearly https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/.

If you, your employees and your visitors make the effort to wash their hands properly, it is also important to ensure they don’t then contaminate them straight away. Drying hands properly is also important. Businesses use a variety of methods for hand drying from normal towels to hand dryers or paper towels, the most hygienic method to dry hands is by using paper towels that can be disposed of after use.

If it is not possible to have hand washing, hand gels should be made available. These should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against COVID-19. You can get further information from HSE about hand sanitisers here https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/hand-sanitiser/index.htm

As well as maintaining good personal hygiene, it is also important to ensure good hygiene throughout the premises. Put in place a robust regular cleaning regime to keep high touch point areas clean as well as the usual surfaces that can harbour germs such as desks, kitchens & bathrooms. Areas that are highly frequented by people should be cleaned on a more frequent basis.

If you need help with creating a suitable cleaning regime, get in touch and see how we can help. ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services are already helping businesses across the UK open safely and have more than 60 years of experience providing commercial cleaning in the UK. We can help with your daily cleaning, high touch point cleaning, sanitisation and provide cleaning products and consumables. We’re here to take care of the cleaning, leaving you to take care of your business.

Were here if you need us.