Maintaining a clean and hygienic workplace is crucial for employee health, safety, and productivity, but offices still harbor germs and bacteria, making them a hotspot for contamination.
The Germiest Places in an Office Building
The workplace environment is one of the most critical aspects of employee health, safety, and productivity.
However, despite the recent emphasis on the need for a clean and hygienic workspace, offices are still a hotbed for germs and bacteria.
A recent study conducted by Furniture@Work investigated the top ten germiest places in the office and their potential sources of contamination.
The investigators comprehensively reviewed existing literature on workplace hygiene and germs.
Additionally, a survey was conducted among office workers to determine their perceptions and experiences of workplace sickness.
Finally, an observational study was carried out in several offices to identify the most common places where germs and bacteria are found.
According to the results of the investigation, the top ten germiest places in the modern office are (from most to least germiest):
- Keyboard and mouse
- Desk
- Telephone
- Photocopier and printer
- Elevator buttons
- Door handles
- Water cooler
- Kitchen sink
- Hand towels
- Office chair
Analyzing the Findings
The results of the Furniture@Work study indicate that the most common sources of germ contamination in the office are the areas that are frequently touched and shared by employees.
In particular, keyboards and mice are a hotspot for germs due to their constant use and contact with hands.
Desks, telephones, and photocopiers are also heavily contaminated, likely because of their frequent use and shared nature.
Elevator buttons, door handles, and the water cooler are also prone to germ buildup from their high frequency of contact with multiple occupants.
The kitchen sink and hand towels are also significant sources of contamination due to their potential for harboring moisture and bacteria.
Finally, office chairs may also be a source of germs, as they are not regularly cleaned or disinfected.
Scientifically Validated Methods for Decontaminating Fomites
There are several scientifically validated methods for decontaminating fomites in the workplace to prevent germ transmission, including:
- Targeted disinfection: This involves using EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against the specific pathogens of concern to disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and telephones.
- UV-C irradiation: This non-chemical method uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens on surfaces. UV-C irradiation effectively reduces the spread of germs in the healthcare setting and may potentially be used in the workplace, particularly in HVAC ducts.
- Electrostatic spraying: This method uses an electrostatic charge to disperse disinfectant particles evenly over surfaces, improving the coverage and efficacy of the disinfectant.
- Steam cleaning: This process uses high-temperature steam to kill germs and bacteria on surfaces, making it an effective alternative to chemical disinfectants.
- Hand hygiene: Encouraging and promoting good hand hygiene practices among employees, including regular hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers, is an important way to prevent the spread of germs in the workplace.
It is important to note that the most effective approach to preventing the transmission of germs in the workplace is a combination of these methods and promoting a culture of cleanliness and hygiene.
References & Resources
Takeaway
It is essential for workplaces to prioritize hygiene and cleanliness to prevent the spread of illness and maintain employee health and safety.
By focusing on daily enhanced cleaning, occupant hand hygiene, and targeted fomite disinfection, workplaces can take steps to reduce germ buildup and minimize the risk of workplace sickness.
Onboarding and managing the requisite labor and material resources necessary to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness are achieved and maintained may prove cost-prohibitive for many organizations.
Outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding highly in-demand cleaning and disinfection services and experience for a fraction of the price of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
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