When it comes to spreading illness, the work place is one of the most dangerous areas for it. While close quarters may make for tightly-knit coworkers, it can also make for an easy way to share sickness. So here’s some tips for ways to prevent workplace infections.
Workplace Infections
Hand Hygiene
While it may seem elementary, you can’t stress the importance of washing hands enough. Our hands carry tons of germs. As we go through the office touching papers, cups, keyboards and more, we pass those germs to each item we touch. Then the next person comes along using the same items and contracts those germs, thereby spreading workplace infections. So by washing our hands thoroughly and frequently, we can prevent the sharing of germs and sickness.
Knowing When to Stay Out
While everyone appreciates a hard worker, it’s good to have a balance. That can mean knowing when to stay out work. Even thought going in and being able to preform your duties is a good thing, it’s not good when you end up spreading workplace infections. So you may not need to stay out for thee common cold but when dealing with more serious illness, it’s best to stay home. By doing so, you can make sure not to spread workplace infections and get your coworkers sick.
Be Careful of Workplace Parties
Workplace parties are one easy place to spread workplace infections. During these parties, it’s a time when most employees get together in tight spaces. In addition, people may bring food from home or handle store-bought food personally. That food may stay out for the rest of the day so people can enjoy it at different times. But all of these things make for an easy to share illness with your coworkers. So if you know you’re sick, avoid the party or handling food. In addition, all those handling food or refreshments should be sure to wash their hands thoroughly. Also, it may help to place hand-sanitizer out for party goers to use.
In short, you spend a large portion of your time with your co-workers so it’s likely you’ll get each other sick. While a common cold may not be that serious, other infections can be much more dangerous, resulting in not being able to work. So you want to use these tips to avoid spreading workplace infections as much as possible.