Cleanliness is Critical in Maintaining an Infection Free Workplace

Cleanliness is Critical in Maintaining an Infection Free Workplace

Infections are invasions of the human body by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agents and toxins they produce. An infectious disease is also known as a communicable disease. They are illness resulting from an infection. Infections are caused by unhealthy agents like viruses, and prions. Much bigger ones like bacteria, nematodes such as parasitic roundworms and pinworms and arthropods such as ticks, mites, fleas, and lice. Others are ringworm and other macro-parasites such as tapeworms and other helminths. To avoid these infections, many measures should be taken. Most of these methods revolve around cleanliness. Infection prevention techniques like hand washing, wearing gowns, and wearing face masks can help prevent infections from being passed from one person to another.

 

The need for cleanliness in the office cannot be overemphasized in any situation. A clean workplace means more than just having a sparkling, fresh building. A clean workplace also ensures the safety and health of employees and visitors. Yearly, about 3 million non-fatal office injuries and illnesses are recorded in the private industry alone.  Workplace injuries can be avoided by taking actions to ensure tidy, clean and safe work environment. Some important reasons to ensure cleanliness of the workplace is outlined below:

 

1. Clean and dry floors prevent falls, slips and bruises.

When the office floors are clean and dry, accidents like slips and falls in the workplace are easily avoidable. Different categories of floor cleaners serve different purposes. Most offices use alkaline cleaners which have proven to be good for cleaning restaurant floors.  There are also acidic cleaners that remove rust, scale, and oxides from floors. It is good to note that some products may contain chemicals that can be detrimental to your flooring, so be sure to talk with an expert about what is best for your facility. Also, keep your floors dry by using absorbent materials, such as floor mats, in functional locations to remove moisture and soil from the bottom of shoes.

 

2. Disinfectants inhibit the spread of germs and illness around the Offices, including the flu.

Germs can quickly spread throughout a workplace, particularly during flu season—but disinfecting surfaces, desks and objects with EPA-registered, clinical disinfectants can stop bacteria in their tracks. Check out our blog post for more ways your workplace can beat the flu season.

 

3. Proper air filtration lowers employee exposure to hazardous substances.

Though not visible to the naked eyes, dust and vapours are hazardous substances that can cause an unsafe environment for employees. Building ventilation is an essential factor in reducing the airborne spread of respiratory infections and maintaining the health and productivity of workers. Regularly cleaning or replacing HVAC system filters prevents them from becoming saturated, which could lead to potential microbial growth and odour concerns. Vacuum cleaners built with HEPA filters may also capture fine particles. Maintaining humidity in the office at around 30 to 50 percent by using a dehumidifier is also crucial in eliminating air pollutants and promoting clean air in the workplace.

 

4. Clean light fixtures improve lighting efficiency.

Dirty light fixtures can reduce essential light levels, making it difficult and unsafe for employees to complete their daily tasks. Clean light fixtures significantly improve lighting efficiency in the workplace. Well-lit stairways and aisles are also crucial in preventing accidents and maintaining a safe work environment.

 

5. A green lifestyle is safer for both your workforce and the environment.

There are various cleaning products, and some are held to a higher standard than others. Products with third-party certifications, such as Green Seal or GREENGUARD, must meet specific rules and guidelines, which ensures they’re healthier for both people and the environment. Also, ensure you maintain and review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for proper handling and storage of the products used in your facility.

 

6. Proper waste disposal and recyclable materials keep work areas clutter-free.

Allowing trash to pile up not only produces clutter, but it also presents a breeding ground for pests that pose a threat to your work environment. Placing “no-touch” wastebaskets in key locations throughout your facility ensures materials are disposed of and reduces the spread of germs. Recycling materials using labelled waste receptacles also makes for a more sustainable environment.

 

Further Cleanliness tips that help both client and employees prevent infections in the workplace.

 

1. Clean Your Hands

• Use soap and warm water. Rub your hands really well for at least 15 seconds. Rub your palms, fingernail, in between your fingers, and the backs of your hands.
• Or, if your hands do not look dirty, clean them with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Rub the sanitizer all over your hands, especially under your nails and between your fingers, until your hands are dry
• Clean your hands before touching or eating food. Clean them after you use the bathroom, take out the trash, change a diaper, visit someone who is ill, or play with a pet.

 

 

2. Make sure healthcare providers clean their hands or wear gloves.

• Doctors, nurses, dentist and other health care providers come into contact with lots of bacteria and viruses. So before they treat you, ask them if they’ve cleaned their hands.
• Healthcare providers should wear clean gloves when they perform tasks such as taking blood, touching wounds or body fluids and examining your mouth or private parts. Don’t be afraid to ask them if they should wear gloves.

 

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

• Many diseases are spread through sneezes and coughs. When you sneeze or cough, the germs can travel 3 feet or more! Cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of infection to others.
• Use a tissue! Keep tissues handy at home, at work and in your pocket. Be sure to throw away used tissues and then clean your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the bend of your elbow or hands. If you use your hands, clean them right away.

 

4. If you are sick, avoid close contact with others.

• If you are sick, stay away from other people or stay home. Don’t shake hands or touch others
• When you go for medical treatment, call ahead and ask if there’s anything you can do to avoid infecting people in the waiting room.

 

In conclusion, you can keep your workplace clean and free of infection by hiring a Professional London Office Cleaning Company. These Guys have years of experience and expertise to do exactly that.