In most parts of Australia, peak flu season runs from June to September, often resulting in increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. In addition to seasonal flu, common cold viruses like the recent Super-K strain can also circulate in workplaces, increasing the risk of illness and disruption.
To help keep your workplace up and running all winter long, we asked health, hygiene and safety specialist Anthony Donjerkovic to share six practical tips employers can use to reduce the spread of germs.
Tip 1: practice good hygiene.
Make sure your workplace is stocked with handwash, paper tissues and hand sanitizer to facilitate good employee hygiene.
“Practicing good hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the spread of germs and stay well. Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting public places or before eating, helps stop the spread.
“Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth, to help limit the transfer of viruses from contaminated surfaces. Remember to use tissues when you cough or sneeze and always throw them in a lined bin,” explains Anthony.
Make sure your workplace has Glen 20 Disinfectant Spray Original Scent available. This product has been proven to kill 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses, including rhinovirus, a leading cause of the common cold, and influenza A, on hard and soft surfaces.
Tip 2: Equip your workplace to prepare for winter.
Having the right health and hygiene supplies throughout the workplace is critical to helping employees maintain good hygiene practices.
“Make sure supplies like hand sanitizer, tissues, and sanitizing wipes are readily available at common and personal desks. A pocket-sized hand sanitizer on the desk and larger pumps in the office will help instantly kill a high percentage of germs while keeping hands clean and conditioned,” advises Anthony.
Dettol Healthy Touch Instant Hand Sanitizer will kill 99.9% of germs without the need for water, providing a quick and effective way to stay hygienic. When water is available, hand soap such as Dettol Aloe Vera Antibacterial Hand Wash 500ml is also effective.
Tip 3: Make hygiene easy and visible.
Is your workplace equipped with basic hygiene items in key locations, such as hand sanitizer near entrances and exits, sanitizing sprays and wipes in kitchens and common areas, and hand washing in all bathrooms and wash areas?
“High-touch surfaces can quickly become super messy. Having proper hand wash, disinfectant wipes and ready-to-use cleaning products available in common areas for regular use can ensure a cleaner, healthier workplace,” says Anthony.
Stock up on Clorox 15949 Disinfectant Wipes Container, which can be used in high-traffic areas like bathrooms, break rooms, training facilities, and hot spots like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards.
Tip 4: Clean high-touch devices regularly.
Healthy habits can make a big difference during cold and flu season. Encourage employees to clean their tech accessories daily, as keyboards, mice and monitors can harbor germs and accumulate skin cells, crumbs and oils. Regular cleaning with disinfectant wipes can help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.
“Over the course of the day, germs can spread quickly and, without effective cleaning measures, can be transferred between employees through shared desks, equipment and common touch points,” explains Anthony.
Minimize the spread of germs and make cleaning easy with the Kensington Pro Fit Corded Washable Desk Set. that can withstand frequent cleaning and even immersion in water! Combine this with Fellowes Screen Cleaning Wipes to remove dust, dirt and fingerprints while providing anti-static properties.
Tip 5: Increase immunity with a balanced diet.
Maintaining a balanced diet, staying well hydrated, and getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night can help promote overall wellness and recovery during cold and flu season.
“Good nutrition, hydration and adequate sleep work together to support immune function and help the body recover more effectively during periods of illness,” advises Anthony.
Tip 6: Support employees who are feeling down.
Cold and flu symptoms can strike at any time, and having clear workplace protocols for unexpected illnesses helps contain the spread before it starts.
“If employees start to feel sick at work, having items like masks and disposable vinyl gloves readily available can help minimize the risk of transmission. Depending on your workplace policy, employees should also use their best judgment as to whether they can work from home, if possible, or make other arrangements for rest and recovery,” suggests Anthony.
Supply your workplace with Bastion 3-Ply Type llR Box 50 Disposable Surgical Face Masks, which are fluid resistant and designed to help reduce virus transmission. Meanwhile, Prosafe Ultra Clear Disposable Powder Free Vinyl Gloves are ideal when an extra layer of protection is required, such as in hospitality or cleaning.
Make sure your workplace is stocked with prevention essentials for the cold and flu season with health, hygiene and safety products. Browse our full range of ‘Hot Winter Sale’ products online.