Covid 19 and telecommuting
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lifestyle, routines, and our way of seeing the world. We spread this virus through respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
A person can get it by direct contact with someone who is infected. In this sense, it is very important to use a certified mask for protecting each citizen and to maintain a safe distance from others (about 1.5 meters). An individual can also become infected by coming into contact with an object contaminated by the virus and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. That is why frequent hand washing should be encouraged, along with surface cleaning, as it is the best way to stop and prevent its spread.
The impact
The impact of COVID-19 on labor markets is wide-ranging, affecting most people to varying degrees. Due to many company closures and pandemic restrictions, layoffs have increased. In addition, there has been a reduction in working hours and, in wages.
On the other hand, a part of the population has drastically changed their working conditions, and some companies have decided to limit the staff in the usual offices. Two of the most notable changes have been telecommuting (or short-term work) and professional cleaning or disinfecting mode to maintain a safe environment. Alcohol began to be part of our daily lives, as well as disinfectant wipes.
In this article, we are going to highlight the importance of disinfection in offices, as well as the cleaning procedure and how to disinfect the workplace itself. In this sense, we are going to mention some recommended disinfectants and the sanitization of areas of the office itself or the workplace.
Disinfection in companies
A key way to protect workers (and others) from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other contagious diseases is by implementing a combination of cleaning and disinfecting measures in your work area. Companies teach how to transition employees to offices, but they must also adapt the cleaning and disinfection procedure.
Cleaning and disinfection procedures in offices
As we stated in our article on disinfection methods, “cleaning” and “disinfection” are different concepts. The first term involves removing contaminants from a surface while disinfection attempts to kill pathogens. To protect the office environment from viruses and bacteria. The first step would be to clean the space with soapy water (or a cleaning spray) and a hand towel. Then apply an appropriate disinfectant to the surface.
It is important to clean work areas at least once a day. Keep in mind that if workers operate in shifts, workstations need to be cleaned more frequently. This factor results from contamination on surfaces touched by employees and customers. One of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads. We recommend that lower touch areas have a slightly reduced cleaning frequency. To ensure cost overruns and a healthy work environment.
For that, here we tell you some techniques that are recommended for effective disinfection in an office :
- Unidirectional cleaning: clean the surface in one direction and do not wipe it again in the opposite direction (because you will redeposit the viruses and bacteria that you just cleaned).
- color-code Cleaning – Use one cloth for each section of the office; To make it easier, you can use a fabric of each color for each specific space.
- Role of chemicals – The first thing to do is check the label of the disinfectant, as well as its ability to kill microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses (in particular, the coronavirus). Most sanitizers need to be diluted with water or, in some cases, rinsed off after use.
- Disinfection technology: don’t forget to sanitize high surfaces. Make sure all areas and touch points are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Pay special attention to the most frequently touched surfaces in the office, such as workstations, countertops, keyboards, phones, and doorknobs.
- Employee and Customer Handwashing: After sanitizing and removing gloves, be sure to immediately wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Alternatively, if these are not visibly dirty, you can apply a disinfectant that contains at least 60%-95% alcohol. Dry well between your fingers because germs spread with moisture. In addition, it is advisable to place hand washing and drying signs throughout the office and workstations; local public health authorities can request them or consult the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Remember that these steps are especially important before and after a face-to-face meeting or business trip.
How to disinfect the workplace
Infection control cleaning practices should include places where people commonly gather. In this sense, do not forget contact surfaces are part of accessible areas and public gathering areas. It is important to keep in mind that the reception, meeting/waiting rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms are alert public spaces and require daily disinfection. It is also crucial to ventilate the workplace, opening the windows for a few minutes every day.
Office cleanliness is crucial to maintaining a safe environment in times of COVID.
Reducing face-to-face meetings and favoring virtual meetings, when possible, are other measures to consider. It is good practice to avoid contact with infected people of course, it is recommended to clean the workstation with a clean cloth and a solution of water and detergent.
In this sense, the first step is to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Clean contact surfaces with a disinfectant solution. Guarantees the action time of the disinfectant (ex. The time a surface must remain wet for a disinfectant to be effective).
Several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and detergents (soap), are safe and functional if used in the proper concentration for a period, as well as disinfection products whose main ingredient is carbon dioxide. Chlorine. We can apply these cleaning and disinfection recommendations not only when there are coronavirus outbreaks but also in the long term. Working in a clean and organized office has positive effects on employees. They will be healthier and more satisfied, as well as better performance.