Safety in the workplace during COVID-19

Government Guidance for businesses

Throughout 2020 and into 2021, we have been given a mass of information and instructions to follow, to best look after ourselves and our colleagues when working together. Creating a safe, ‘COIVD secure’ environment has been imperative in order to continue to operate within our respective industries. The information is still changing constantly as further research and testing is done to help us better understand how to battle against the COVID-19 virus. Follow this link to see the latest information.

According to a study from the American Society for Microbiology. Researchers placed a sample of a harmless virus on a single doorknob or table-top in an office building. The first area that was contaminated was the coffee break room. Within two to four hours, the virus could be detected on 40% to 60% of workers, visitors and commonly touched objects.

A 2019 UK survey showed that only 60% of UK office workers washed their hands properly with warm water and soap after going to the toilet.

This information gives us an indication to how easily it is for the Sars-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 to be transmitted throughout a workplace and potentially infect employees. It is clear to see why the government has instructed all those who can work from home, to do so. Having said this, we must do everything we can to create the safest working environment possible, whether we are ‘WFH’ or in the office.

High touch areas

As part of creating a safe, COVID-19 secure working environment, surfaces that are frequently touched throughout the day, and especially by more than one person must be disinfected effectively and regularly.

• Work surfaces such as desks, counters and workstations
• Doors, handles, push plates
• Light switches
• Keyboards, printers,
• Landline phones, mobiles, telecoms
• Control panels for machinery
• Taps, kettles, fridges, microwaves, cupboards

Using disinfectant wipes, allows for quick easy cleaning of such areas. The WHO suggest to avoid using sprays and cloth, as this can lead to unnecessary transmission of germs, bacteria and viruses if one cloth is used for more than one area. Also, excessive spraying can cause coughing and light headedness. Use one disinfectant wipe for one area and ensure that you are cleaning these high touch areas in the safest and most effective way possible.

Hand Hygiene in the workplace

Included within the government guidance states that employers must introduce hand hygiene procedures and specialist equipment throughout the workplace in order to create a safe, COVID secure environment. An employer must use signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique, whilst also providing hand sanitiser in multiple locations in addition to washrooms.

For more information on hand hygiene in the workplace, see our blog Hand Sanitiser Government Guidelines for Businesses.

SharpHygiene

SharpHygiene have created a highly visible Free Standing and Wall Mounted Hand Hygiene Station which are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Our Hygiene Stations are developed In-line with government guidelines to make your business COVID Secure and protect your customers, employees and business from potential virus outbreaks. The striking design attracts attention to maximise usage and incorporates user information to comply with section 5.3 of UK government’s Hygiene: handwashing, sanitation facilities and toilets guidelines. Both stations are anti-tamper protected and require a key to open the dispenser.

Find out more about SharpHygiene products.