08 Jun KEY HAND SANITIZER LOCATIONS
Organizations that encourage regular use of hand sanitizer tend to have healthier workers. A study found that office workers who were encouraged to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at least five times each workday were about two-thirds less likely to get sick than those who continued to just wash their hands.
The best way to remind employees to use hand sanitizer is by making it easily accessible and always within sight. Key locations include:
Entrances and exits – A single doorknob could potentially be the cause of a widespread illness in the workplace. In addition to frequently disinfecting doorknobs, light switches and other high-touch surfaces within the workplace, make sure to also provide a hand sanitizing station nearby to limit the spread of infection.
Cafeterias, food courts and break rooms – if food is consumed with germ-ridden hands, it’s easy to digest the germs and become infected with several diseases. One of the germiest hotspots in an office is the breakroom and kitchen. Although hand sanitizer is not a replacement for anyone who prepares food, it can help eliminate certain germs.
Meeting rooms – Meeting rooms are often packed with employees, clients and other visitors who exchange handshakes, thus swapping germs. Allow guests and employees to safeguard their hands against germs before and after the meeting takes place.
Employee desks – Desks, phones, computer keyboards and computer mice are key germ transfer points because people touch them so often. Placing individual hand sanitizers at desks keeps hand hygiene within reach.
High traffic areas – Providing hand sanitizer outside of the office is also important. High-traffic areas like airport terminals, mall hallways and recreational centers should offer hand hygiene stations to ensure visitors stay as healthy as possible.
