Clean your office to stop swine flu

Media release                                                                                                    7 May 2009

Clean your office to stop swine flu

Employers need to pay close attention to workplace hygiene to stop the spread of swine flu, says a cleaning specialist.

Grant McLauchlan from Crest Commercial Cleaning says that sickness costs businesses around $2b a year, and a potential flu epidemic could see that figure rise even further.

“Swine flu, like all influenzas, is spread when people are in close contact, and as workers spend upwards of eight hours a day breathing the same air and coming into contact with the same surfaces, work can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacterial infections to spread.

“But by paying close attention to workplace hygiene, employers can cut the risk that swine flu, or any other flu virus, will run rampant in the workforce, seriously cutting productivity during winter months.

“The emergence of the swine flu (H1N1) has now become a serious public health issue and has the potential to become a global pandemic. Employers need to be proactive in providing employees with basic hygiene practices to reduce the risk of spreading sickness amongst workers.”

Mr McLauchlan says that during a pandemic employers need to clean even more thoroughly to minimise the spread of the virus.

“As influenza viruses can live up to two days on hard surfaces, it is important to regularly clean sinks, handles, railings, objects and counters with a disinfecting wipe.”

Influenza viruses are rendered inactive by an effective disinfectant. Crest recommends cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched with a commercial grade disinfectant solution, preferably daily. Traces of disinfectant left on the surface will keep on killing new virus spores that may land on the surface.

Examples of such surfaces are:

•           Door handles (especially toilet door handles)

•           Desks

•           Kitchen benches and cupboard handles

•           Telephones

•           Microwave oven controls

•           Telephones

•           Keyboards (regularly wiping with a disinfecting wipe or methylated spirits will reduce bacteria.)

Mr McLauchlan says that our workspaces provide the perfect breeding ground for germs to spread. For example, the average desk harbours 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat and telephones are the worst places for bacteria to breed.

“Maintaining a clean work environment is vital in helping to reduce the spread of virus and bacteria during the winter months If an employee is experiencing flu-like symptoms they should stay at home and rest.

“And to ensure their illness doesn’t spread to other employees, the workplace should be thoroughly cleaned.”

Tips for businesses to prevent the spread of winter flu:

•           Don’t eat at your desk – this can introduce bacteria from your desk to your body via your mouth.

•           Wash coffee mugs and glasses in hot water on a regular basis.

•           Avoid close contact with colleagues who are sick – if you are sick keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick. Staying home will help you recover quickly, and will help prevent others from getting your illness

•           Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and put the used tissue in a rubbish bin or in a plastic bag.

•           Wash and dry your hands often using warm water and soap – especially after coughing or sneezing.

•           Remind staff and students not to share utensils i.e. cups, dishes and cutlery; and ensure that these items are thoroughly washed with soap and hot water after use.

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