It makes a huge contribution to wellbeing and productivity says report
When company employees wash their hands effectively at appropriate times, they “protect themselves and their colleagues from illnesses”, according to a recent report on the Corporate Wellness Magazine website, which provides extensive information of the importance and relevance of good hand hygiene.
Good hand washing practices, as became apparent during the pandemic, reduce the spread of illness. In the workplace, employees frequently share and interact in communal spaces and facilities, making the likelihood of illness transmission far greater says the article – which is why hand washing after using the toilet, before eating and after sharing, for example, computer equipment, is even more important.
The article quotes statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which tell their own story.
“…proper hand-washing can reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses by up to 21% and gastrointestinal illnesses by up to 31%.”
Huge reduction in workplace absence
More compelling figures that demonstrate how effective hand washing can be in the office or place of work, are reproduced from an American Journal of Infection Control study.
“…increased hand hygiene compliance led to a 41% reduction in absenteeism due to illness.”
Employees should be encouraged to wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds, as per all recognised guidelines.
Hand washing at the point of need
A suitable amount of lathering and scrubbing are essential as is drying afterwards, with many experts advocating a brisk rub with paper towels to ensure that hands are properly dry afterwards.
Another vital consideration is having hand washing facilities available that provide clean, warm running water where they’re actually going to be used – at the point of need. If staff have to walk a long distance to wash hands before eating for example, they are far less likely to do so.
The report recommends that businesses
“Provide hand-washing stations with easy access to soap, disposable towels or air dryers, and waste bins for proper disposal.”
The Importance of Hand-washing in the Workplace »
Effective mobile hand washing for everyone – wherever their place of work
Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile and washing units for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.
The images at the top shows the Hygienius (top) and the CliniWash.
Mobile hand wash stations for the workplace »
There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.
The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.