By Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
With the daily, scary news about avian flu and other strains of disease descending upon the world, people are beginning to think and talk about what measures they can use to prevent its spread.
The fear of a pandemic can be even greater in schools and in office settings than in the home because of the shear number of individuals who come into contact with one another on a daily basis. This is especially true because, in general, so much of each day is spent away from home.
According to a recent customer survey done by Quill Corporation, a direct marketer office supply firm, 32 percent of respondents feel their office cleanliness needs improvement.
A healthy workplace can not only reduce the likelihood of illness, but also increases moral and performance, impacting the bottom line. To attain a cleaner work environment, start where you spend the most time — in your workspace.
What you can do
• Use wipes. Telephones, desktops, keyboards, printers, copy machines, and faxes, as well as any everything else in your office should be wiped down every few days. A sanitizing wipe is a quick, effective way to kill germs lurking on desktops or hard surfaces. These wipes can also disinfect keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, telephones, and other items where germs collect.
• Sanitize your hands. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, another tip is to keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes nearby. They kill germs on contact, especially where soap and water are not readily available, and are especially important for times when you cough or sneeze, as those are common ways for viruses and germs to spread. It is commonly believed that approximately 80 percent of all germs are transmitted by hands.
• Wash your hands. Hands can transmit viruses as well as spread food contamination. Wash or sanitize them frequently. Although no conclusive evidence exists, the debate still rages regarding the overuse of antibacterial and antimicrobial soaps. One of the problems these soaps pose is their harshness can strip away the skin�s natural fatty acids and moisture when used to frequently, however � in moderation � any soap or cleaner is better than no soap to kill disease-causing bacteria and viruses. One research study suggests that waterless alcohol-based products like hand sanitizers are actually more effective in killing germs, even though they are not cleaning agents.
• Kill kitchen/break room germs. Germs are sneaky even though invisible, lurking for days and hiding everywhere, especially in areas where food is present. In the communal kitchen or breakroom, avoid sponges, instead washing dishes, plates and utensils with soap and paper towels.
• Use paper and plastic products when you eat. Paper and plastic products can improve office health. After you finish, clean the tables well and be sure to use disinfectants and paper towels to clean surfaces. According to a University of Arizona study, the average desk harbors 100 times more germs than the average toilet seat. These germs can be easily transported to the kitchen and other work spaces. A clean break room or kitchen can assist in keeping employees healthy.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. Use a tissue and dispose of it properly — and wash your hands. Healthy employees are more alert and productive.
• Offer onsite flu shots to all employees. Contact your local county health board to make arrangements. You can also contact the American Lung Association (flucliniclocator.org) for the closest flu clinic and for information on onsite shots, or check out Maxim Health Systems website at www.findaflushot.com. To find out more about the flu, its symptoms and what to do to prevent it — as well as how to treat it once you have it — check out the Centers for Disease Control site, www.cdc.gov/flu/.
To stay well in the work place, practice good health habits, and follow your instincts; if you feel ill, stay home. Taking care of yourself impacts everyone else in your life.
Sue Masaracchia-Roberts works at Quill Corporation, a leading provider of office products, business furniture and computer technology.
