Hygiene in the Workplace | Safe Work

COVID-19 is continuing to impact the way we live our lives and operate our businesses. Improved hygiene practices in the workplace are key to protecting staff and customers against exposure to the virus.

One of the main ways COVID-19 is spread from person to person is via respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can be carried through the air. They can then infect people via the mouth, nose or eyes. The risk of this type of transmission is greatest inside where there is less ventilation.

People also become infected by touching surfaces contaminated with  COVID-19, whether from droplets from a sneeze or from the germs left from previous people who have touched the surface.

Considerations When Providing Hygiene Facilities in Your Workplace

Safe Work Australia states that you must provide adequate hygiene facilities that are functional, clean and safe. They must be easily accessible and maintained to meet these standards. As there is a greater need for hygiene than may have been necessary pre-COVID-19, it is important to make sure that you provide increased hand washing, drying and sanitisation facilities to meet this increase in uptake.

Hand sanitiser is recommended at key locations, such as the entry and exit of a building, high traffic areas, hallways and food preparation areas. The number of staff and customers that will need to use hygiene facilities plays an important part in determining your hygiene needs. For instance, an increase in foot traffic following a temporary lockdown must be taken into account.

Consumables such as paper towels, toilet paper must be properly stocked and soap dispensers topped up and maintained to a high standard of cleanliness.

Paper Towel is Preferred Over Hand Dryers

Paper towels can reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases. This is because paper towel dries hands much more thoroughly than the average hand dryer. Damp hands pick up more germs and bacteria than dry hands.

Some hand dryers also have a habit of spreading water droplets around the room containing harmful bacteria or viruses such as COVID-19.

It is important to make sure that:

• Paper Towels are replenished as often as required.
• A bin is provided for the user to dispose of the paper towels once hand drying has been completed. This bin must be regularly emptied to ensure the space remains hygienic and safe.

Can’t Provide Paper Towels?

If you already have hand dryers you should consider supplying a paper towel dispenser in conjunction with your hand dryer. Sanokil can give you a complimentary dispenser if you agree to purchase your paper towels from us. Otherwise, placing posters to highlight the need to dry hands completely and, if your hand dryer is manually operated, make sure you wipe down the touchpoints frequently.

Hand Sanitiser

Hand sanitiser units provide a great way to effectively and quickly sanitise hands. They are efficient as they do not require water and are generally used frequently as they take less effort than water and soap washing. They can be easily placed around key areas and come in a variety of options. Manual, Automatic and Stand Hand Sanitiser Units are offered by Sanokil.

Toilet Seat Cleaners

You can go above the expectations of society and provide your washroom users with extra peace of mind. Toilet seat cleaners allow the user to sanitiser the seat before use meaning that any risk of cross-contamination is minimised. Your staff and customers will appreciate the ability to protect themselves.

Lets Work Together

Sanokil provides over 15,000 businesses across Australia with hygiene facilities. We’re experts at what we do. Call us to discuss our range of hygiene facilities that we can put in place at your site and we can work together to protect you and your staff. You can reach us at 1800 992 135, via our contact form or chat with us through our website between 9-6 pm AEST.

For more information about Workplace COVID-19 Hygiene Practices visit: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/office/hygiene