The Importance of Sanitising High-Touch Surfaces in the Workplace
After the Covid breakout we have all come to understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Or course, this has always been important. Medical staff have always emphasised the importance of a sanitised workspace. But it took a serious situation for the general public to adopt the right attitude and practices. It is important to understand that while regular cleaning routines ensure that visible dirt and grime are removed, there’s still a need to sanitising high-touch surfaces. These surfaces, which see a lot of human contact throughout the day, will often harbour significant amounts of germs and bacteria. This easily spreads germs, posing a risk to the health of staff and visitors.
Understanding High-Touch Surfaces
A high-touch surface is any object or area that is frequently touched by human hands. In offices and other places of business this includes doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, handrails, office phones, keyboards, the computer mice, desktops, bathroom fixtures, and communal kitchen equipment like microwaves and coffee machines. With all this constant use, these surfaces can quickly become breeding grounds for pathogens. If they are not regularly sanitised these facilities will have the accumulated germs of everybody who has used them.
Health Implications of Unsanitised Surfaces
The health implications of not sanitising the high-touch surfaces can be profound. Germs and bacteria on these surfaces can spread illnesses such as colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections. In more severe cases, they can be responsible for the transmission of viruses such as covid. Any staff or visitors touching contaminated surfaces can inadvertently introduce these pathogens into their bodies, leading to illness. A company can quickly be deprived of many of their employees, which holds the business back in reduced productivity.
Maintaining Employee Productivity and Well-Being
We all need a clean, sanitised workplace for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. Staff are more likely to be focused, motivated, engaged in their work (and healthy) if their office environment is safe and hygienic. This is not something that can be done by an individual in isolation. Everybody in the office needs to maintain their own good sanitation habits. And a professional
Regular sanitisation of high-touch surfaces helps create a healthy and conducive working environment, where employees can perform their best without the constant worry of falling ill.
Best Practices for Sanitising High-Touch Surfaces
Effective sanitisation of high-touch surfaces involves more than just wiping them down with a cloth. Here are some best practices to ensure these areas are properly sanitised:
Identify High-Touch Areas
Conduct a thorough assessment of your workplace to identify all high-touch surfaces. Make a comprehensive list to ensure no area is overlooked during the cleaning process.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Agents
Select disinfectants that are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses. Ensure that the cleaning agents used are safe for the surfaces being sanitised and for the employees who will come into contact with them. Follow the manufacturer instructions because for disinfectants to be effective, they must be used according to the appropriately. This often includes allowing the disinfectant to remain on the surface for a specified contact time before wiping it off.
Increase Cleaning Frequency
High-touch surfaces should be sanitised multiple times throughout the day, especially in high-traffic areas. Consider implementing additional cleaning shifts to cover peak usage times.
Encourage Employee Participation
Foster a culture of cleanliness by encouraging employees to clean their workspaces and shared equipment regularly. Provide sanitising wipes and hand sanitisers for easy access.
Professional Commercial Cleaning Help
Commercial cleaners will get the most thorough cleaning results. Your office will be at its safest when it has just been professionally cleaned. It only takes some basic good habits from the staff to maintain this state of hygiene till the next scheduled cleaning. We recommend bi-weekly commercial cleaning for Sydney Businesses.
Using Newer Technology in Sanitisation
Modern technology means there are now addition cleaning methods and devices beyond traditional ways of cleaning. So, businesses can leverage technology to enhance their sanitisation efforts. UV light sanitisers, especially using UV- C light, have been shown to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces. These need to be kept away from our eyes or long-term exposure on our skin, but they are generally safe. Electrostatic sprayers are innovative tools that can effectively disinfect high-touch surfaces. They distribute disinfectant more evenly and efficiently, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Conclusion
The sanitising of high-touch surfaces in the commercial workplace is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy environment. With our Commercial Cleaning Chatswood is safeguarded from employee health issues. This ensuring business continuity. By implementing regular and thorough sanitisation practices, businesses can minimise the risk of illness, boost employee morale, and create a productive and positive workspace. In today’s health-conscious world, prioritising the cleanliness of high-touch surfaces is not just a best practice; it’s a necessary commitment to the well-being of everyone in the workplace
