News & Information Blog

The source of infectious disease is people.  Only a business with no employees can afford to fail to plan for the effect of illnesses on meeting production deadlines and quality products.  (For more information on viral  respiratory infections click on this Link.)

Transmission of infectious material

1. From the inhalation or contact of germ laden droplets sneezed or coughed out from a person up to 6 feet away.
2. From surfaces such as tables, door handles, etc. that someone touches then transfers to their eyes, nose, or mouth, or to something that goes in their mouth.

The most effective prevention of the spread of an infection from one employee to many others is to

1. Encourage employees to stay home if they are feeling unwell.
2. Instruct supervisors to send employees home if they are coughing or sneezing.

Providing the tools for a healthy workplace:

1. Place hand sterilizer solution dispensers and disinfecting wipes around the workplace but most especially in lunchrooms and breakrooms.
2. Replace cutlery and food containers with disposable bowls, plates, cutlery, etc.

The second most effective prevention of employees becoming ill is to provide a toolbox talk and posters instructing them to:

• Avoid shaking hands or wash with soap and water as soon as possible after shaking hands.
• Do not share drinking or eating cups, plates, utensils, etc. or food.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Try to stay more than 6 feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, including lunchroom tables, using the cleaning spray or wipes provided.  [include the name of the cleaning solution where they can find it.]
• Some stores provide disinfecting wipes for their carts, use them on the cart on the way in and on your hands on the way out.
• Keep disinfecting wipes in the car and use them on your steering wheel and door handles frequently.  (66% of drivers pick their nose while driving creating a high risk of exposure to viruses and germs right to the mucous membranes of the nose.)
• Pick a song that lasts at least 20 seconds and play it in your head when you wash your hands.  For example, “twinkle, twinkle little star.”
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.