The rainy season in Oregon is here!
The Oregon workplace has more than its fair share of germs! In a study conducted by University of Arizona in 2002, researchers discovered that the average workplace hosts some serious amount of germs:
- Which common office machine has 25,127 germs per square inch? The phone.
- Which common computer component has 3,295 germs per square inch? The keyboard and
- Next on this list has 1,676 germs per square inch. Any guesses? That would be your computer mouse.
You get the point pretty quickly; we are in the “germ season” here in Oregon and it’s more important than ever and that we keep our workplace healthy so we can be healthy. After all, most of us spend as much or more time at work than we do at home or any other single place. Here are some tips from Trinity Commercial Cleaning Service for employers and employees to help keep healthy at the workplace.
Hands-On Tips for Employees:
- Wash your hands like clockwork with soap and hot water as soon as you arrive at the office and several times throughout the day, including before and after lunch, and of course always after using the restroom. Also in between meetings where you came into contact with others. Wash your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds and rinse with hot water.
- Now we are not advocating for OCD behavior BUT, because germs can be passed to you from virtually anything you come in contact with, keep some disinfecting spray or wipes handy for a quick wipe down each day of your keyboard, mouse, desktop and telephone.
- Clean the doorknobs and handles and pulls that you and other come into contact with regularly.
- Are you sick? If the answer is yes, stay home!
Hands-On Tips for Employers:
- Give each of your employees, or each area, floor, office, etc. with personal cleaning supplies such as wipes, sprays and disinfectants to keep their personal environments clean and healthy.
- Post signs encouraging frequent hand washing. A 2001 survey found nearly three-quarters of offices and customer service facilities do not post signs reminding their employees to wash their hands. May seem like a no brainer but you would be amazed at what a simple reminder can do.
- Encourage your employees to engage in hygienic activities at work and at home, to help prevent sickness for themselves and others.
- Make sure restrooms and kitchen areas are supplied with enough and proper cleaning products for hands and surfaces, including soaps, disinfectants and safe, natural cleaners.