In today’s modern and busy society, thousands of diseases and illness have now been rampantly spreading and the affects thus endangering their health and lives. One example of this scenario is the tragic Dallas Fort Worth flu outbreak of 2017-18 wherein it took over 150 lives during its season. Which is why it is now taken into serious consideration on finding ways to stop and prevent these types of illness from spreading especially for people who are always in contact and interacting with other people like in a workplace setting. People are often prone to catching diseases when they are at work and thus also be a vessel to infect others around them including their families at home. So, how do we prevent this from happening? How do we stop or reduce the spread of germs in the workplace?
Guides and Tips on Reduction and Prevention of Illness in the Workplace
The workplace is like a second home to most people especially for those who dedicate their time and passion in it, which is why it is important to always make it into a comfortable and safe environment for the employee and others around them. Here are some ways on how to reduce the spread of germs and illness in the workplace.
1. ALWAYS Wash your Hands!
As kids, we were taught to always wash our hands because handwashing is the basic way not only to clean ourselves but also stop the spreading of germs and bacteria that we may have accumulated during daily activities at work. It is the easiest and number one way to prevent and stop the spread of diseases like cold and flu.
2. A Clean Workspace is a Healthy Workplace!
Keeping your workspace clean and maintaining that cleanliness throughout the work week. It is not as simple as wiping off your office desk. You need to make sure that you include your keyboard, mouse and telephone which will greatly help in preventing them from being a breeding ground of germs and bacteria that may cause illnesses like colds, coughs, and flu. A clean workspace not only promotes a healthy environment but also promotes organization which leads to productiveness.
3. Be Aware and Alert
Always be aware and alert by keeping in touch with the daily news regarding health or by visiting the CDC (Center for Disease Control website) https://www.cdc.gov For instance, knowing that it is the season for diseases like the flu or an outbreak help us be prepared for what to do and preventing it when we go outside for work. We can also share what we know to co-workers and thus generating a chain for prevention in the workplace.
4. Get Vaccinated!
As the saying goes “Prevention is better than Cure”, that is why being vaccinated is one way of effective prevention. People who are vaccinated are immune and are no longer susceptible to diseases in most cases. Those who choose to get vaccinated statistically stay healthier which leads to a reduction of sick calls for yourself and the other employees that may infected by you.
Don’t Push Yourself When Sick
For instance, when you are sick, use your sick time to not only recover more quickly but also to prevent the spread of disease in the workplace. Being considerate of others is also one of the ways of keeping a healthy working environment and thus reducing the spread of germ and bacteria in the workplace.
