Office Sinks Have the Dirtiest Surfaces in the Workplace
Offices are crawling with bacteria and the kitchen has the dirtiest surfaces touched by workers on a daily basis, according to a recent study.
Findings by Kimberly-Clark Professional reveal that where workers eat and prepare their lunch has topped the list of office germ hotspots. The Healthy Workplace Project found that 75% of break room sink tap handles have high levels of contamination as well as almost half of microwave door handles.
The study, which involved 5,000 swabs from office buildings of more than 3,000 employees, showed that 27% of keyboards have germs lurking, 26% of refrigerator door handles are swarming with bacteria and 23% of water cool buttons are dirty.
The analysis was taken across an array of office types including call centres, insurance companies, law firms and even healthcare companies.
Further findings expose that 21% of vending machine buttons are soiled with nasty microorganisms. It is suggested that employees are taking care to ensure their own personal workspace is clean but the overall hygiene of the office is important too.
However by washing, wiping and sanitising employees can reduce their rates of cold, flu and stomach illness by up to 80%!
Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Arizona, who carried out consultation with the research, said workers need to be aware of the risk of germs in various living spaces other than the bathroom.
He said: “This study demonstrates that contamination can be spread throughout the workplace when office workers heat up lunch, make coffee or simply type on their keyboards.”
Top tips to keep the worktops clean include wiping surfaces with disinfectant, mopping floors with bleach, using simple hand sanitisers and educating your employers to wash their hands regularly.
Solid Surfaces North West specialises in designing and manufacturing high quality bespoke office furniture. The 3D thermoforming experts major in worktops and bars as well as reception desks for offices. Their knowledge and skill is second-to-none so ensure your office worktops are clean and chic with professional help.
ENDS
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