Shining a Light On Contagion Risk Hotspots at the Workplace
Workspaces are dynamic environments where people come and go during the day, spend time interacting with each other in close proximity, and spend a lot of time together most of the week. While there is no denying the benefits of shared workplaces for productivity and a lively office vibe, it also creates perfect conditions for the spread of contagious illnesses.
Among many germs that find their way into the office during the winter, the main culprit is influenza. February is considered the peak of flu season in the majority of the continental US. With generally frigid temperatures, dry office air, and lack of ventilation that can improve air circulation, certain areas of the office can quickly turn into contagion risk hotspots if left unaddressed for too long.
In the article below, we’ve taken counsel from the best commercial cleaners in St. Louis to give an overview of the infamous transmission hotspots that serve as a springboard for office contagion.
What are the places that are at high risk for contamination in the office?
Seasonal flu is usually at its strongest in February before starting to slow down as March approaches. This makes the shortest month of the year usually the worst when it comes to absenteeism. If you’re in the middle of an important project, have a busy period ahead, or can’t afford more lost workdays, pay close attention to keeping the following areas sanitary to minimize the risk they pose.
1. Doorknobs & handles
All employees must walk through the doors to get to work and the first thing they come into contact with are doorknobs and handles. Often touched, rarely cleaned, and usually made of metal or plastic alloys, these areas are the first hotspots in every office that require more frequent disinfection during the winter months.
2. Elevator buttons
If your workplace is located in a highrise or a multi-story office building, your employees have to use the elevator on a daily basis. With such a large number of people constantly making contact with elevator buttons as soon as they walk in from the street, it’s no wonder that these surfaces often act as viral transmission points.
3. Workstation equipment
We’ve followed our imaginary worker through the door and up the elevator. Now is the time to enter the office. Even though we use desks, chair armrests, keyboards, mice, and phones throughout the day, they often serve as a safe space for all types of pathogens. It’s not uncommon for a study to show that employee personal spaces harbor the highest concentration of contaminants at the workplace.
4. Light switches
Another hotspot that is often made of plastic and touched by virtually everyone who comes to work is light switches. While contact with light switches often lasts a split second, it’s more than enough time to leave a contaminant.
5. Water dispensers
Sometimes called water coolers and drinking fountains, they are a must in a modern office. While the convenience of cold, hot, or room temperature water at the press of a button is undeniable, they can turn into ideal vectors for disease transmissions if not cleaned regularly.
6. Office electronics
If your office has a conference space, huddle room, or employee lounge, they are probably packed with electronics and appliances like copiers, printers, scanners, fax machines, video projectors, and coffee machines. All these devices and their remote controls will act as prime contamination hotspots if you forget to wipe them during the colder part of the year.
7. Restrooms
While restrooms are a known risk when it comes to workplace contamination and as such deserving of special attention, their sanitation often stops at mopping the floors, sanitizing the sinks and countertops, and whipping the mirrors. But what about the details that people touch but can easily fall from focus? Contaminants will build up on toilet flush levers, faucet handles, grab bars, soap dispensers, and toilet paper holders so it’s crucial that they get sanitized at least once a day.
8. Lunchrooms
Even smaller offices have kitchens and break rooms where employees can get away for a few minutes and enjoy their meal away from the bustle of office life. These lunchrooms come with their own set of electronic appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, air fryers, blenders, and coffee machines. With a high turnover of people and open food sources, they provide the perfect conditions for microorganisms to fester.
The first step in proper workplace sanitation is to recognize that certain areas demand more attention than others. The next step is to raise awareness among your employees to implement proactive hygiene measures, especially during the flu season. With just a little bit of mindfulness and effort, you can reduce the number of workdays lost to contagion and keep your office happy, productive, and running according to plan.
