Help Prevent the Spread of the Flu in your Workplace
Are you concerned about the safety of the office this Flu Season? Many people are, even if they are not in charge of the safety of the office. With the way that the flu spreads within an office, and then it spreads at home too, the pool of those that are infected with the virus just grows larger and larger, unless you choose to take preventative measures right off the bat.
The best way to help prevent the spread of the flu in your workplace begins with good hygiene practices. By this we mean practicing good hand washing procedures, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. If you do cough or sneeze, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve and then clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
The next step to help prevent the flu is by getting everyone vaccinated. Vaccinations are the easiest way to help prevent the spread of the flu. There are stations at local drug stores that offer free flu shots with proof of insurance. Or you can offer an on-site Flu clinic for employees to get their shot.
Many of you work in a shared workplace environment, and could need to use another employee’s computer or equipment, when the situation arises, consider wiping it down with a disinfectant before use to help prevent the transmission of any germs. Try to also avoid shaking hands or touching employees that may be sick as well.
If you are sick, stay home. “The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 degrees Fahrenheit [37.8 degrees Celsius] or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.” (Source: OSHA.gov)
Do your best to prevent the flu from spreading through the office this year with our tips above for what to look out for and what to do. If you have a need for disinfectants or flu clean up products, contact Safetec of America, Inc. today and we will help you get ready for flu season this year and avoid the pandemics you have seen in the past.
References:
https://www.osha.gov/dts/guidance/flu/protectyourself_nonhealthcare.html