Hand Hygiene at Work

by Jirayr Iskenian July 21, 2024

Did you realize that hand washing is a really basic behaviour that may significantly affect things other than your health? According to studies, maintaining good hand hygiene can greatly stop disease transmission within a society.

This translates to fewer cases of:

Respiratory illnesses by 21%.
Diarrhea, a prevalent and unpleasant illness, by 31%.
Diarrheal illness in individuals with weakened immune systems increases by an impressive 58%.

Let's examine proper hand hygiene practices in the workplace.

The Value of Hand Washing Correctly

Keeping your hands clean at work provides a strong barrier against disease in addition to making you feel good. Imagine the following scenario a common cold spreads like wildfire across the company, leading to a chain reaction of neglected deadlines and irritable coworkers. But all it takes to become a germ-fighting superhero is frequent handwashing!

Research indicates that frequent handwashing can drastically lower the number of sick days that staff members report. Consider this: you touch doorknobs, phones, and keyboards — all of which are breeding grounds for bacteria. Handwashing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds (while humming "Happy Birthday" twice) causes disturbance and drives these tiny bad guys away.

Employees are more attentive and effective when they are well. Imagine that after a thorough handwashing break, Brenda, the marketing guru, finally overcomes writer's block. Sniffles and coughing will decrease when hands are clean, and there will be more creative ideas floating throughout the conference room.

How Germs Spread in the Workplace

There are germs everywhere, including the workplace. Common surfaces like keyboards, doorknobs, and shared cooking areas are where you can find them. Workers frequently come into contact with these surfaces, unintentionally transferring germs to others. This may result in an endless cycle of sickness that impacts everyone in the working community.

Key Times for Handwashing

Hand hygiene at important times of the day is essential to stopping germs spread effectively. Workers ought to wash their hands:

Before and after meals
After a bathroom visit
After a sneeze, cough, or nose blow
After contact with shared surfaces such as doorknobs and equipment
Before and after meetings or interactions with colleagues

Employees may guarantee that their hands stay clean and lessen the chance of transmitting germs by concentrating on these crucial moments.

The Best Methods for Hand Hygiene At Work

1. Soap and Water

When it comes to eliminating germs, hand sanitizer is a useful backup, but washing your hands with soap and water comes out on top. This is the reason why:

Soap draws and dissolves the greasy covering that shields bacteria, much like a little magnet. This makes it easier for water to remove them. Conversely, hand sanitizer uses alcohol to destroy germs, which might not work as well against all kinds.

What is the best practice for washing hands?

Warm up by turning on the faucet and allowing the clear water to flow.
Use just enough soap to form a substantial lather. Imagine a cloud of fluff that fights germs covering your hands.
Move those hands and scrub.

Rub your palms together, creating friction.
Don't forget the backs of your hands – they touch a lot too!
Get in between your fingers.
Don't neglect your thumbs – give them a good circular massage.
Pay special attention to your fingertips and under your nails – these are prime hiding spots for germs.
Do this for at least 20 seconds.

Give your hands a thorough rinse under cold running water to get rid of any soap residue.
A germ's greatest ally is moisture. Use an air dryer or a paper towel to dry your hands properly. Remember to use the towel to turn off the faucet so that your just-washed hands aren't contaminated again.

These easy actions will help you establish a healthy and productive work atmosphere where viruses have no chance! Encourage your coworkers to take similar action!

Hand Sanitizer

Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers might be a convenient substitute for soap and water when they're not readily available. Once you have chosen a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol by volume, massage your hands together until the product dries.

How to effectively apply hand sanitizer:

Make sure you apply enough to cover the hands' whole surface.
Make sure the sanitizer gets between your fingers and beneath your nails by rubbing your hands together.
Rub your hands until they are dry.
Even though hand sanitizers are good at eliminating most germs, you should always wash your hands with soap and water first.

Establishing a Culture of Hand Hygiene

Developing a hand hygiene culture at work is about more than just purchasing soap; it's about fortifying the workplace against disease! Here's how to work as a team:

Instruction and Training: Plan conferences or workshops with a hand hygiene theme. Inform staff members about the science underlying bacteria, the significance of using the right handwashing procedure, and the advantages of having a clean workplace. Imagine them as superheroes of hygiene getting their training!
Supply Stations: Ensure that there are always handwashing stations available. Provide readily available soap, water, paper towels, and hand sanitizer in bathrooms, break rooms, and high-traffic areas.
Touchless Technology: Purchase hand sanitizer and touchless soap dispensers. Minimizing contact with potentially contaminated surfaces further lowers the chance of sickness spreading.
Signage: Place educational posters in strategic areas such as break rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. These can serve as visually appealing and educational tools that educate staff members about important times and appropriate handwashing procedures.
Cleaning Champions: Create a routine for disinfecting and cleaning shared spaces, including doorknobs, keyboards, and desks. By doing this, you may drastically lower the amount of germs that are present in the office.
Lead by Example: Supervisors and managers are essential. Make washing your hands often a visible part of your daily routine and inspire others to follow suit. "Let's all wash up before this meeting" is a simple yet effective suggestion.

Employers' Responsibilities for Hand Hygiene

Employers are crucial in maintaining worker health and minimizing sick leave. They may establish a germ-fighting stronghold in the workplace by offering the required materials (soap, water, sanitizer) and encouraging handwashing.

The Advantages of Proper Hand Washing

Practicing proper hand hygiene at work has several advantages, such as:

Reduced transmission of germs and illness
Fewer sick days, leading to increased productivity
Improved overall health of employees
Enhanced sense of community and responsibility

Together, a healthier and more productive workplace is within reach! Follow these steps and provide proper hand hygiene in your workplace.