According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), only 31% of men and 65% of women washed their hands after using a public restroom.
When you consider that around 40% of foodborne illnesses are transmitted via germs on our hands, and 80% of communicable diseases are transferred by touch alone, it’s easy to see why there’s a whole day dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of handwashing (heads up, Global Handwashing Day is on 15 October!).
As an employer, how can you tell whether you are doing enough to promote the handwashing habits of your employees? The answer is to evaluate the hygiene culture you’re creating right in your washrooms and other key areas of the business.
Invest in the right hygiene solutions
Improving the condition of washrooms and providing adequate facilities supports increased handwashing rates and more positive attitudes in employees.Soap dispensers
Running water by itself does a pretty good job of germ removal, but soap increases the overall effectiveness by pulling unwanted material off the skin and into the water. Having no soap or consistently empty dispensers will increase the chances of employees simply running their hands under the water for a few seconds or skipping the handwashing altogether.Hand drying
Drying hands is just as critical as the wash itself. Studies have proven that hand drying actually helps minimise the spread of bacteria, and damp hands can spread 1000 more bacteria than dry ones. Wondering whether you should provide paper towels or electric hand drying options? We say, why not both? Your employees may have different preferences, so catering for both options will go a long way to encourage hand drying behaviours.Sanitisers
Depending on your business layout, your staff may not have easy access to a sink where they can wash up, for example, when preparing food or other activities. Remedy this by installing hand sanitiser stations throughout your building in canteens, coffee stations or break rooms.Educate and Reinforce
Sometimes, all employees need is a bit of a nudge in the right direction. Nobody wants dirty hands, but occasionally, you may forget. Hanging signs in prominent locations, such as bathrooms and kitchens, helps to remind them to do so.Download these printable posters to help reinforce the message in your workplace and create a healthier, happier environment for your staff.
Click to download [PDF]
Click to download [PDF]
Looking for a complete washroom hygiene solutions partner? We’ve got you covered for the supply of hygiene equipment and consumables as well as maintenance and cleaning services.
