We get it. Your job requires you to be present, visible, and onsite. Working from home is not possible in your current role. People are counting on you and your team. But you still want to know – Once you enter the work premises, what should we be aware of? Can we help improve our conditions?

Germ Safety in the Workplace

Germsarelowest at the beginning of the day. Why? Because many workplaces, including hospitals, offices, retail businesses, etc.are cleaned after regular working hours.  We are right to be concerned about the possible germ safety in the workplace.  According to an WebMD.com article by Jodi Helmer, entitled “Beware of Workplace Germs”, the average office desk has 400 times germs than a toilet seat!

But the concern should not stop at the office desk.   After your team members and workers arrive on-site, the top spots for germs at work include other areas, such as:

  • Desktop and keyboard
  • Coffee pots
  • Microwaves
  • Breakroom refrigerators

Think about your movement throughout the day.  Meetings on different floors, forcing the need to access multiple stairwell doors, or taking elevators.  When taking the mid-morning break to refresh your cup of coffee, or get fresh water, you will encounter team members in the hallways, and near the printer/fax room. Other common areas with high traffic and germs, include:

  • doorknobs to meeting rooms, offices, and restrooms
  • elevator buttons
  • vending machine buttons
  • open / shared worktables and desks
SO WHAT CAN OR SHOULD YOU DO?

There are positive steps that can be taken to improve the work environment for germ safety, including:

  • Using bacterial wipes preferably, clean your work area daily
  • Practice social distance or personal space boundaries
  • Wash hands frequently throughout the day (before and after meals, on breaks, etc)
  • If leading live, in-person meetings or training, provide proper sanitizer and repeated breaks

If your work environment includes telephones, walkie-talkies, mobile devices, be sure to sanitize frequently.

According to WebMed,  more than 90% of phones are contaminated with bacteria.   According to Apple Support, it is recommended that your Apple product can be disinfected with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe (after unplugging from power sources), but avoid getting moisture in openings, use on the hard surfaces, and avoid excessive wiping. Apple discourages using spray cleaners.    

Using a screen cover with your smart phone is recommended as well.    

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