Promoting effective hand hygiene in the workplace is crucial, as approximately 80% of infections are transmitted through hands. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prioritizing hand hygiene is a critical measure in preventing the spread of harmful germs. To contribute to better hand hygiene and create a safer work environment, consider strategic placement of hand sanitizers within the office.
Here are key locations for placing hand sanitizers:
- Entrances & Exits:
Install hand sanitizer dispensers at main entrance and exit doors, as well as high-traffic doorways leading to restrooms and meeting rooms. Door handles are common hotspots for germs.
- Meeting Rooms:
Given that meeting rooms bring together individuals from various parts of the building or different companies, they pose a high risk for germ transmission. Place hand sanitizer stations outside meeting room doors or on meeting tables to ensure safer interactions.
- Break Rooms and Eating Areas:
Shared kitchens and break rooms are known for harboring germs. To minimize the risk of illness, provide hand sanitizer in these areas to maintain clean hands and a hygienic environment.
- Individual Desks:
Desks, phones, and computer accessories are frequent contact points for germs. Encourage regular hand hygiene by providing individual hand sanitizer bottles at each desk, recognizing that employees spend a significant portion of their day at their workstations.
- Elevators and Touchscreens:
Elevator buttons and touchscreens are potential hiding spots for germs, even with regular cleaning. Reduce the risk of contamination by placing hand sanitizer dispensers next to these locations.
When selecting hand sanitizer for the workplace, choose the right type. Opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with a minimum alcohol content of 70%, or consider an alcohol-free hand sanitizer with active ingredients like benzalkonium chloride. Additionally, choose sanitizers with moisturizing ingredients to prevent skin dryness.
By strategically placing hand sanitizers and selecting the appropriate type, companies can play a pivotal role in reducing infection transmission and ensuring the well-being of their workforce, fostering a safer and healthier work environment.
