Germs spread rapidly in office and classroom settings, particularly where low-quality indoor air and surface hygiene combine with employees and students coming in sick and contagious.
How Are Germs Spread?
Germs in office and classroom environments typically spread in one of two ways: surface contact or air.
Facility flooding due to burst pipes or natural causes requires swift action to prevent costly additional damage to the built environment and a range of health and safety concerns, including infection and exposure to non-biological contaminants.
The Dangers of Flood Damage to Facilities and Occupants
Depending on the source, flood waters can potentially carry a host of biological and non-biological contaminants, including:
Bacteria.
A growing number of studies have established a strong correlation between workplace cleanliness, occupant wellbeing, and workforce productivity.
The Impact of Stress and Employee Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace
Data gathered by mental health experts establish a strong connection between workforce mental health challenges and significant reductions in workplace productivity, resulting in billions of dollars in annual losses to the U.S. economy.
Indoor air quality in classrooms directly impacts the transmissibility of airborne pathogens and allergens, occupant attendance, performance, and long-term life outcomes.
The Importance of Improving Classroom IAQ
Indoor air quality is the product of several factors, including airflow.
Rapid mold growth in facilities is a common issue resulting in expensive damage to the built environment and potentially resulting in severe occupant health issues, OSHA violations, closures, fines, lawsuits, and medical-related costs.
The Dangers of Facility Mold
Mold spores commonly enter facilities through
Open doors or windows
Vents
Poorly filtered HVAC systems
On the bottom of occupant shoes or on their clothes, and;
On pets in buildings that allow them.
Based on the influenza data from Australia, the U.S. may be heading for a severe 2022-23 cold and flu season.
Dire Predictions for the 2022-23 Cold and Flu Season
U.S. health officials are urging increased vigilance and action this cold and flu season due to the record-breaking pre-pandemic levels of influenza spreading across Australia.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released updated guidance regarding facility cleaning and safety measures to address the emerging monkeypox outbreak.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Declares Monkeypox a Public Health Emergency
On August 4th, 2022, U.S. HHS Director Xavier Becerra elevated the status of the ongoing monkeypox outbreak to a public health emergency.
With cold and flu season and the start of the new school year just around the corner, it's time to address your facility's cleaning and germ hotspot sanitization policies and procedures.
Hybrid Working Models Contribute to the Spread of Office Germs
The hybrid working model--home part-time and office part-time--combined with communal workspaces and hot desking contributes to the rapid transmission of germs and bacteria, resulting in increased rates of illness and decreased worker productivity and mental wellness.
Pandemic-era work-from-home requirements have influenced office workers toward more eco-conscious behaviors and expectations in the workplace.
Eco-Friendly Practices A Priority Among Office Workers
Time away from the office and working from home has realigned the majority of U.S. office workers' values towards more eco-friendly action.
College campuses, particularly dorms and restrooms, are petri dishes for germs and bacteria that spread rapidly and negatively impact academic and social development, emphasizing the need for improved cleaning policies and methods.
How Germy is the Average Student Body Dorm Room?
In most college campus dorms, students are tasked with sanitizing their living and shared spaces during the regular school year.