As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and evolves, employers are tasked with providing a safe workplace environment. If we want to stop this dangerous virus from progressing through any work force, it’s essential to shut down the avenues by which the virus is transmitted. That’s why we’re wearing masks. It’s also why surface disinfection needs to be a top priority.
Understanding Surface Disinfection: What It Is & Why It’s Important
When we talk about surfaces, we’re talking about the things your employees touch during the ordinary course of events throughout their workday. This includes objects such as keypads, countertops, door knobs, light switches, printers, and so on. Surfaces can be made of a variety of materials, including stainless steel and plastic.
What we’ve learned during the pandemic is that the COVID-19 virus can live on stainless steel for five days. On plastic, the virus can survive for six days. Now imagine how many times the door knobs in your facility are touched on any given day. To minimize the risk of transmitting the virus, surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Properly disinfecting a surface requires a combination of proper technique and appropriate products. Doing a thorough job quickly and efficiently is the hallmark of the best local janitorial service. The use of medical-grade disinfectants helps ensure that the surfaces in your workplace don’t contribute to the spread of COVID.
57% of Employees Are Concerned About Workplace Safety
LinkedIn researchers found that 57% of employees – that’s nearly 2 out of every 3 people – had serious concerns about their health when it came time to return to the workplace after a pandemic related shutdown. COVID is a scary disease. People don’t want to get sick.
An ongoing, visible commitment to workplace cleanliness – including surface disinfection – can help assuage employee fears and help them maintain confidence that everything possible is being done to keep them safe. It’s important reassurance at a difficult time.