America is one of the countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases. As a result, many employers are concerned about the safety of their workplace. Coronavirus can easily be spread through saliva and contact with dirty hands. Keeping the workplace clean can reduce the chances for the disease to spread. The following are 5 tips on how to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace.
1. Wash Hand Frequently
As an employer, you can show concern for your employees in the flu season by telling them to wash hands all the time. According to CDC, a proper handwashing procedure should be done with soap and water and last for 20 seconds. Tell your employees that they need to wash their hands whenever they come in contact with dirty items including after using the toilet, during food preparation, before a meal, blowing nose, handling animals, and handling garbage. If alcohol-based hand sanitizer is used, make sure it contains at least 60%-95% alcohol. Most people will choose to wash their hands with soap and water. Employers can help to encourage handwashing habits by providing soap, and alcohol-based hand rubs in the workplace.
2. Sneezing and Coughing Etiquette
Employers should encourage employees to practice sneezing and coughing etiquette. Sneezing and coughing are the easiest ways for germs from a coronavirus patient to pass to the nearby persons. Employees should be taught to use a tissue paper to cover their mouth and nose during sneezing. CDC also recommends that used tissue be disposed of in the wastebasket after using it. After throwing away the tissue, the employee should immediately wash hands with soap. Employers should set up a policy that requires sick employees to stay at home.
3. Cleaning Workstation After Use
Employers should tell the employees to clean their own workstations You’ll need to use the appropriate disinfectant product to clean the workstation. EPA states that coronavirus pathogens are the easiest to kill with a regular disinfectant product. You can use cleaning agents that are designed for cleaning work surfaces, doorknobs, and countertops. Cleaned surfaces can be contaminated again with the virus if you contacted it earlier. Therefore, the best practice is to avoid contacting with those who suffer from the virus.
4. Stock Up Sanitizing Products
Employers should stock up paper towels, alcohol based hand sanitizers, and sanitizing wipes during the flu season. With more and more restrictions imposed for the pandemic, stocking up these necessities in advance is necessary. The hand sanitizers and sanitizing wipes are to be placed in multiple locations throughout the workplace.
5. Invest in a Sanitizing Dishwasher
Besides hand sanitizers, you should invest in a sanitizing dishwasher in the break room. Antibacterial dishwashing liquid cannot effectively disinfect the dishes. The dishwasher has a function that allows you to wash the dishes in high-temperature water that can effectively kill the germs.