Colds, flu, and many other illnesses are pretty common during cold weather, especially in the workplace. The problem is that there is a high density of people in offices and they are very vulnerable to various infections. The potential for illness is high and pathogens are often passed from person to person.
Stopping the spread of germs is especially important nowadays, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people work from their homes but there are many cases in which this isn’t possible. Minimizing the risk of getting infected is essential, especially when the virus can be passed through indirect contact as well. For example, by touching the infected person’s belongings or work environment. This disease is very easy to transmit and everybody has to be extremely cautious to keep themselves and others safe.
Today you will learn how to effectively stop the spread of pathogens in your workplace and ensure the safety of all employees. If you are interested in this topic, this is the article for you. Let’s begin!
Sanitize Your Shoes
During the pandemic, many people started sanitizing their shoes before entering their homes and offices. The problem was that sanitizers often had a very bad smell and they were usually full of damaging chemicals. People reported they often felt dizzy and nauseous and not to mention that the efficiency of many sanitizers wasn’t scientifically confirmed. This is the reason why a high-quality UV shoe cleaner is a must-have in most workplaces today. It’s quick, easy to use, and very efficient. It takes only 8 seconds for it to sanitize your shoes and stop the spread of germs throughout the whole office. UV shoe cleaners are clinically tested and completely safe. Most businesses use them to slow the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses and claim they are a game-changer.
Personal Hygiene Practices
This may sound simple, but practicing basic hygiene steps is a very effective way of preventing pathogens from spreading. We are talking about the most common things, such as regular and thorough hand washing, which people often forget and find unimportant. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds regularly, but especially after touching equipment or clients, after going to the toilet, and before tampering with food. Also, you should always dry your hands with a disposable paper towel, since you don’t want to touch the same towel that everybody uses.
During the pandemic, experts recommended everyone wear gloves in public. This is essential since you can spread the virus from your hands to your eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as the other objects you touch around your workplace. Make sure you remove and discard them properly and they will really help you avoid cross-contamination. Wash your hands in between and change your gloves regularly.
Did you know that 80% of diseases are transmissible through touch? Unfortunately, many viruses live on hard surfaces for up to 72 hours, meaning that everything you touch often must be sanitized. This includes your phone, computer, handbag, desk, and all the surfaces around the office. All employees must wash their hands regularly, but the objects around them must be sanitized as well. In fact, a study has shown that almost 50% of illnesses can be stopped from spreading by using this strategy. Make sure you:
- Wash bathrooms, floors, and surfaces such as desks, tables, etc. with detergent and hot water
- Wash your clothes after you come home from work
- Wash the ceilings and walls from time to time
- Use disinfectants
- Don’t share towels, clothes, or any other personal items
- Wash your hands before and after you eat
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Wearing Masks Is Important
The issue of wearing face masks in the workplace comes up often these days. People frequently ask “Why should I wear a mask if I am not personally at risk for COVID-19?”CDC has recommended this measure in areas of significant community-based transmission for a good reason. You see, the coronavirus can be easily spread before any symptoms appear. This means you don’t have to be sneezing and coughing in order to spread pathogens. Even if you speak to someone at close range, you can spread the virus without realizing it.
Masks are easy to use and very affordable. When every employee wears one the risk of transmission of the coronavirus dramatically decreases. People are slowly returning to their usual activities and limiting the virus is essential. When combined with personal hygiene and social distancing, masks can really protect you and your colleagues.
Wearing a mask is also recommended to prevent any other viruses or bacteria from spreading. So, even when the pandemic comes to an end, make sure you wear your mask if you feel a bit under the weather. You may think it’s just allergies but you never know for sure and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Social Distancing
Some viruses (e.g. the coronavirus) spread easily and sometimes wearing a mask isn’t enough. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, keeping a distance is the best way to stop the virus from spreading. This is important for your health and the health of those around you but it’s not the only thing. If many people get ill at the same time and end up in the hospital, the health care system may become overwhelmed. So, you aren’t protecting yourself and your colleagues only – you are protecting the whole system.
Stay At Home If You Don’t Feel Well
Many people go to work even if they don’t feel completely well and that is a huge mistake. You may think it’s nothing but you never know how serious your condition is and how it may affect your co-workers and other people around you.
Be responsible and visit your doctor. Only a professional can really tell when is the right time to go back to the office. You can never tell what kind of pathogens you are carrying and, by not taking it seriously, you can put someone in terrible danger.
Now you are familiar with the most effective ways of stopping the spread of germs in your workplace. Take care of yourself and other people, keep your immune system strong and stay cautious. Your health is the most important thing, so make sure you do all the necessary steps to stay safe.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
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