Role of hand sanitising in preventing cold and flu at work

As the seasons shift and the chill enters the air, so too does the familiar annual concern: the cold and flu season. For businesses across australia, this period can mean a dip in productivity, an increase in sick leave, and a general disruption to the smooth running of operations. While much attention is often paid to vaccinations and staying home when unwell, one of the most accessible, effective, and often underestimated weapons in our arsenal against these pervasive viruses is hand sanitising.

At initial hygiene australia, we understand that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. That’s why we champion the critical role of robust hand hygiene practices, with hand sanitising standing as a cornerstone in preventing the transmission of cold and flu viruses within the workplace.

The invisible threat: how viruses spread

Cold and flu viruses are remarkably adept at spreading. They typically transmit through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These droplets can land on nearby surfaces – desks, doorknobs, communal keyboards, elevator buttons, and even shared pens. When an unsuspecting individual touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their own eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus gains entry to their system.

Consider the sheer number of high-touch surfaces in a typical office environment. The potential for cross-contamination is enormous. This is precisely where the power of regular hand sanitising comes into play.

The power of hand sanitising: a first line of defence

While handwashing with soap and water remains the gold standard for removing germs, it's not always practical or readily available throughout the workday. This is where alcohol-based hand sanitisers prove invaluable.

Hand sanitisers, particularly those with at least 60% alcohol, work by denaturing the proteins of viruses and bacteria, effectively deactivating them. A quick, thorough application can significantly reduce the viral load on your hands, drastically cutting down the risk of self-contamination and the subsequent spread to others.

Imagine a scenario: a colleague, unknowingly carrying the early stages of a cold, sneezes into their hand and then opens a meeting room door. If the next person to enter immediately uses a hand sanitiser dispenser conveniently located near the entrance, they have significantly reduced their risk of picking up those viral particles. This simple act, multiplied across an entire workforce, creates a powerful barrier against widespread transmission.

Beyond the bathroom: strategic placement for maximum impact

The effectiveness of hand sanitising in the workplace hinges on its accessibility and regular use. It's not enough to simply have a bottle in the kitchen. Strategic placement of hand sanitiser dispensers is key to fostering a culture of good hand hygiene.

Consider these key areas for dispenser placement:

• entrances and exits: encourage immediate sanitisation upon arrival and departure.
• communal areas: near coffee machines, water coolers, microwaves, and in break rooms.
• meeting rooms: before and after meetings, especially in shared spaces.
• high-touch point zones: next to printers, photocopiers, and shared workstations.
• reception desks: for both staff and visitors.

By making hand sanitising an effortless and visible part of the workday routine, you reinforce its importance and encourage consistent use.

A culture of care: integrating hand sanitising into workplace wellness

Implementing a robust hand sanitising programme is more than just providing dispensers; it's about fostering a culture of health and mutual respect within the workplace. It demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing and helps to minimise the impact of seasonal illnesses on business operations.

Regular communication and gentle reminders about the importance of hand sanitising can also go a long way. Consider posters near dispensers or short internal communications reiterating the benefits. When employees understand the "why" behind the practice, they are more likely to adopt it consistently.

In conclusion, while we can't entirely eradicate cold and flu viruses, we can significantly mitigate their impact on our workplaces. Hand sanitising, as a readily available and highly effective tool, plays an indispensable role in this endeavour. By embracing its power and integrating it seamlessly into daily routines, australian businesses can cultivate healthier, more productive environments, safeguarding their most valuable asset – their people.

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Initial Hygiene is leading the way air, hand and surface hygiene innovation to meet the demand of any environment. Get in touch today on 1300 73 1234 or contact us here for free, no obligation assessment of your current hygiene services.