Easy Steps to Deep Clean Your Restaurant’s Kitchen

Poor food handling practices and dirty kitchens can lead to food contamination. Food contamination causes up to 420,000 deaths a year and makes 1 in 10 people sick.

Food safety begins with safety practices while handling, preparing, and storing food.

Restaurant safety and cleanliness should begin in the kitchen. A clean and hygienic kitchen will impact both your employees and customers.

Read on to find out how to deep clean your kitchen.

How Dirty Kitchens Affect Employees and Customers

Employees hate a dirty restaurant kitchen. With the proper tools, they can help you maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

If you insist on running a dirty kitchen, it will:

• Increase employee turnover. If you run a dirty kitchen, your staff will leave for a better working environment.
• Affect employee morale. Restaurant staff work better in a clean and organised kitchen. Their creativity, productivity and workflow will improve in a clean kitchen.
• Influence recommendations. They will not risk inviting their friends and families to a germ-prone restaurant.  In extreme cases, they will even share the truth about your kitchen, destroying your reputation.
• Incite them to call the relevant authorities. Employees care about their reputation. If you do not take action, they are under a legal obligation to report you to health authorities.

Running a dirty restaurant will also affect your customers. A dirty kitchen will:

• Reduce their chances of coming back to the restaurant. No one will willingly come back to a restaurant if there is a risk of food contamination.
• Have customers call authorities. If customers fall ill from eating at your restaurant, they will report to the authorities. Upon investigation, a dirty kitchen can make you liable.
• Share complaints about your restaurant and destroy your business’s reputation. Customer feedback can build or break your business. You cannot risk having customers accuse you of running a dirty kitchen.
• Land customers in hospital. A dirty kitchen increases the risk of contamination. This can make customers get sick from foodborne germs. In extreme cases, it can lead to death.

How to Deep Clean a Restaurant Kitchen

The first step towards a clean and hygienic kitchen is a deep clean.

Before opening up to the public, you need to dedicate time to deep clean your kitchen. This includes cleaning and sanitizing every part of the kitchen.

To get started with the restaurant kitchen deep clean, make sure you:

• Wear protective clothing especially when using cleaning chemicals.
• Read the instructions on every cleaning product.
• Understand what products work together versus products you cannot mix.
• Have enough ventilation in the room you are cleaning.
• Test new cleaning products on a small surface before using them.

Cleaning Countertops and Food Preparation Tables

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

The method and tools you use while cleaning countertops will depend on the material.

Different surface materials need different tools and chemicals. The tools you use might also change for specific tasks, such as removing stains.

The table below breaks down the tools and chemicals  you need for different materials:

How to Do It Right

While cleaning countertops you must:

• Wipe them down to get rid of any dirt. This includes removing any scraps, leftovers or food waste.
• Use the right tools to clean the surface. Here, use a mild tool such as a cloth to get rid of the dirt. Some surfaces will need more than one cleaning agent.
• Remove any stains. Some surfaces will need a brush while others might benefit from some scrapping.
• Once the surface is clean, sanitize it. Make sure you find a food-safe sanitiser. A good start is the Kemsol Bac-Stop Sanitiser Disinfectant Concentrate. You can buy it from Alsco New Zealand.
• You can use bleach. Either way, let the sanitiser sit on the surface for up to 30 minutes to act on the germs and viruses.

Cleaning the Vent and Exhaust Hoods

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Microfibre cloths
• All-purpose cleaner
• Duster

How to Do It Right

• Wash out the vents and exhaust hoods to get rid of grease and grime.
• Clean the filters as per the user instructions on the manufacturer’s manual.
• Replace ripped or torn filters immediately.

Cleaning the Kitchen Floors, Ceilings and Walls

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Microfibre cloths
• All-purpose cleaner
• Dusting mitts
• Soap cleanser
• Brush and scrubber
• Vacuum cleaner
• Garbage bags
• Mop and bucket
• Kitchen sanitiser

How to Do It Right

Kitchen floors and walls in restaurants harbour both germs and dirt. A deep clean should include:

• Wiping down and sanitising the ceiling and fans.
• Wiping down the walls for spills and grease marks.
• Vacuuming or sweeping to get rid of dirt and debris.
• Removing floor mats and other floor coverings.
• Scrubbing the floors with water and a cleaning detergent.
• Running a kitchen degreaser on the floor.
• Mopping the floor for better access to hard-to-reach areas.
• Sanitising the floor and walls.
• Drying the floor before using it again.

Cleaning the Walk-in Freezer and Chiller

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Cleaning solution
• Microfibre cleaning cloths
• Spray and vac system
• Stiff brush

How to Do It Right

• Pull out all the food from the shelves. Throw away any stale or unusable foods and leftovers.
• Drain the tubs and pans.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the shelves with a spray and vac system.
• Use a powerful spray to get rid of debris, soil and other foreign objects.
• Brush the condenser coils with a stiff bristle brush. Vacuum it to remove grime and dust.
• Wipe down the shelves, walls and the inside of the door. Leave them to dry for a few minutes before restocking the shelves.
• Wipe down and sanitise the door and door handles.

Cleaning the Grease Trap

Chemicals and Tools You Will Need

• Rubber gloves for handling messy grease
• Overalls to protect your clothes
• Wrench, scraper and crowbar
• Soap cleanser
• Pot scrubber

How to Do It Right

• Remove the lid of the grease trap. Be slow and gentle to protect the gaskets on the lead.
• Dip a ruler into the grease trap and take note of how many inches of grease you have.
• Remove water from the grease trap with a small pump or a bucket.
• Scoop the grease from the trap. Use a heavy-duty scraper or shovel to handle the grease. Scrape the bottom and sides to prevent build up as you work.
• Clean the grease trap with warm water and soap and rinse it out.
• Take out the removable parts and clean them with soap and warm water.
• Pour in water to confirm if flows freely. If it does, replace the removable parts and lid.

The Bottom Line

Deep cleaning in a restaurant kitchen saves lives.

It’s an opportunity for you to set health and hygiene standards for your business.

Following a cleanliness guide while using the right tools and products can help you:

• Protect customers from foodborne bacteria and viruses.
• Maintain health and safety standards required in the handling of food.
• Create a clean and hygienic kitchen to inspire your staff. They are more inspired to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.
• Help you meet health and safety standards set by local authorities.
• Assure your customers of their health and safety while in your restaurant.

You can start your restaurant’s deep clean today by getting the right tools and supplies. At Alsco New Zealand, you can order your supplies in bulk, such as:

• Cleaning cloths
• Washing chemicals
• Cleaning gloves and protective gear
• Soaps and other detergents
• Sanitising solutions

Make your order from Alsco NZ today and deep clean your restaurant kitchen.

Photo: fluidhygiene.com

Enhance Your Employees’ Engagement on Health and Safety Matters: 3 Sure Ways

An engaged employee is a safe employee. A study by Gallup found that employees in high engagement workplaces reported fewer accidents, with 25% of the top engaged workplaces experiencing 70% fewer incidents than those in the bottom 25%.

The importance of increased employee engagement in safety is clear. Managers should aspire to create an environment that keeps employees excited about safety. A different study by Queen’s University reveals 20% lower absenteeism in engaged workplaces. Employee turnover also decreases by 26%.

How can you reap these benefits for your company? There are steps you can take to increase employee engagement today.

1. Optimise Safety Training

Teaching adults is very different from teaching children. Participatory methods that take advantage of their life experiences will create success. When you tweak programs to suit the participants, it increases adoption. This way, you achieve integration of the training into daily work activities.

Personalise the Benefits

• A strong training program focuses on making safety as personal as possible. It should not be about helping the company meet regulatory requirements. A personal touch ensures workers are happy to protect their future. Personalisation includes:

  • Personal Perspective

    What’s in it for them? Adults are juggling many things at the same time. Show how the training can improve their lives and watch them get interested. Lead with personal benefit instead of compliance. When they understand safe work practises ensure they get to watch their kids grow, they pay attention.

  • Benefits Outweigh the Burden

    When listing the safety regulations, frame them in a way that caters to the worker’s needs. For example, if they have to wear a respirator mask, talk about the effects of inhaling dust on long term health. Once they realise the true repercussions of dangerous work are personal, things change. They’ll comply from a sense of self-preservation.

  • Compliance Benefits the Workers and the People in Their Lives

    Encourage long term thinking that prioritises safety versus getting a task done. When a worker lives for today, they can be reckless and sustain an injury that leaves them unable to work in the future. Make this clear during the training. It will shift mindsets and help them to understand the importance of staying safe.

  • Use Engaging Teaching Techniques

• Once you get your training material right, check your delivery techniques. Create a teaching plan that is mindful of instruction time. Ensure you leave participants with actionable tips and knowledge. Avoid training sessions that feel like a waste of time.

  You can improve your sessions in the following ways:

  • The Ideal Session Length

    Do you understand the psyche of an adult learner? While they’re able to sit through 90 minutes of instruction, they retain only 20. Break the training into themes and include breaks to prevent eyes from glazing over. Try toolbox talks to breakdown the material into bite-size chunks. A good example is this kit from OSHA

  • Build Behavioral Objectives

    These are training objectives that enable you to measure effectiveness. Use SMART goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. Strong training programs help in creating behavioural change. Set behaviour objectives that cater to the unique nature of your audience.

    Define the audience and consider whether your content matches their needs. Identify the exact behaviour that needs to change as a result of training. Use the training to fill skill deficits.

2. Adjust Your Leadership Style

The main component of participative management is collaboration. Leadership goes beyond enforcing rules and directing your workforce. It involves fostering collaboration through empowerment and problem-solving.

Consult Staff in Health & Safety Concerns

• A common mistake by managers is viewing employees only as a way to get things done. They do not give them a chance to contribute. Avoid these mistakes through the following:

  • Listen to What Employees Have to Say

    Employees feel valued and engaged when what they say is appreciated. Create an environment where you consider the issues and suggestions raised by employees. It will encourage them to take ownership of their work.

  • Engage Employees in Decision Making

    Managers assume they have all the information needed to make decisions on safety. Valuable insight comes from the intellect and experience of employees on the frontline. Learn to consult before making a decision that affects how people do their work. The best tool for improving safety is leveraging insights from the people who do the work.

  • Ask for Input

    Questions are the best tool for a good manager. Some employees never step forward with solutions yet they offer answers when asked. Ask for the thoughts of your employees to be a truly participative manager.

  • Managers Should Lead by Example

• Prove that you are trustworthy by delivering on commitments and promises. Don’t make unrealistic promises while attempting to win cooperation. Broken promises breed resentment and a wedge between management and staff. Only promise what is possible to reassure your team that you’re working for their welfare.

  Remember that your team is always watching what you’re doing. They are likely to do exactly what you do since it shows your values. When you use your position to set a positive example, everybody will follow it. The staff also know you are a person of integrity who believes in the policies they create.

  Make it a habit to interface with the staff by walking around to mingle and talk to them. It’s hard to take directives from a boss who is absent so become accessible. Take a walk around to listen and chat with your team.

• Use Positive Reinforcement to Build Habits

• Humans are creatures of habit and will always do more of the things that bring good consequences. With positive reinforcement, you encourage a culture of ownership and safety. Praise the efforts your team makes. Practice positive reinforcement through these simple steps:

  • Recognise and Reinforce Employee Achievements

    The simple things make the biggest difference. Thanking the team for a continued period of safe operations or praise for valuing safety will go a long way. Employees are happy to go above their job description when efforts are acknowledged and praised.

  • Share Information and Insights

    Create a feeling of inclusion by keeping everyone in the loop. Become a great leader by creating communication systems between all employee levels. Participative communication is the distinction between good and great leadership

  • Support Ongoing Employee Development

    Provide resources and support to help your employees succeed in their project. These can be things like sparing time for a review to lending a listening ear for a decision they need to make. Sometimes this support is a form of training that can empower them.

3. Create a Culture of Safety

Culture is how things get done in your company. It’s not enough to create a great training program and train your staff. You need systems that encourage people to include safety as a part of their day to day work. Here are some practices that you can implement to get started:

Introduce Safety From the Recruitment Stage

• The interview process is more than a chance to know the candidates. It’s a chance to show your company’s core values and priorities. From the start, prospective employees should understand that safety is your central value. Do this through simple things like safety reminders around your workplace. Include safety training in the onboarding process.

• Create Open Communication Channels

• Employers must focus on listening, considering and respecting the ideas from your employees. It encourages your team to come to you with concerns and solutions. Invest in their future by providing the safety skills that they need. When you keep your staff empowered, they become confident and foster a culture of safety. Get your staff excited about safety, to encourage them to be accountable to each other.

• Review the Safety Processes

• Are your uniforms and equipment up to date? Provide your team with the recommended tools and uniforms for your industry. To manage uniform logistics, get a reliable vendor who understands safety regulations. It will save you time and heartache.

  To encourage accountability, choose safety reps that lead their peers through safety exercises. They can be great assets in encouraging your staff to share their point of view, which in turn can prove an invaluable insight into improving your current safety processes.

Conclusion

The steps to improving safety in your organisation are fairly simple.

You need to change your leadership style, review your training materials and create a culture of safety.

With consistency and a commitment to implementation, your organisation will become safer in a sustainable way.

Article contribution by Alsco New Zealand. Alsco aims to help create a healthier and safer workplace by providing affordable yet high-quality uniform rental service and hospital-grade first aid solutions.

Photo: Wallpaper Flare

Workplace Hygiene: 3 Major Areas Where Flu Germs Hide

As a business owner, you aim to build a team of hard-working individuals to propel you to success.
Imagine their disappointment when they need to miss out on work because of the flu.

As Richard Branson once said:

‘’Your employees are your greatest asset. If you take care of them, they will take care of your clients.’’

This powerful quote rings true.
Studies show that employees admire clean workplaces and this makes them more productive.

Do your employees fall sick more than usual? If the answer is yes, you need to assess how clean your office is.

You don’t need to be a medical expert to do this and here’s why:

Source: businesswire.com

Researchers identify workplaces to be a key area where flu-causing germs hide. When you don’t clean your office environment well, your employees aren’t safe. Their well-being is at risk and this may cause them to be unproductive and unmotivated.

There’s good news! This article is a positive step in the right direction. This workplace hygiene guide informs you how to clean these areas and prevent the flu for good.

So, there’s no need to worry. With the best hygiene systems and products, you can sniff out these bacteria and put an end to them in no time.

What’s in it for you? Maintaining great office hygiene translates to:

• Creation of a positive brand image
• Reduction in employee absenteeism
• Rise in employee welfare and morale
• Improvement of client satisfaction

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get into it!

Why Is It Easy to Catch the Flu Anyway?

Imagine suffering from the flu and trying to gather the strength to go to work as well. It’s hard but this is what your employees go through sometimes.

If you’ve ever wondered how they catch the flu in the first place, here’s a breakdown:

• When someone with the flu coughs or sneezes near another person, they inhale the germs. This enters their system and makes them sick.
• Flu-laden droplets may also land on surfaces and remain infectious for 48 hours. Any person who touches these unclean areas and doesn’t wash their hands may fall sick too.

Source: singlecare.com 

Since an office is a high-traffic area, this means that flu germs can hide anywhere. On the bright side, medical experts break it down to the following key areas to watch out for:

• Workspaces and desks
• Kitchens and break rooms
• Office washrooms

Think of this as a cheat-sheet to workplace hygiene. You don’t need to go through a trial and error process to get to the real source of the germs. If you’re wondering how to get these areas germ-free, you’re in the right place. Here are incredible solutions that you probably didn’t think of.

1. Workspaces

How clean is your work desk?

Scientists confirm that an average desk can house 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. This confirms that your employees can catch the flu from their desk alone.

In the workspace, germs hide on common touchpoints such as door handles and buttons. After touching infected surfaces, flu germs enter through the nose, mouth and eyes.

If you think about it, you can’t go a day without touching these things.

What do you notice here? The sense of touch plays a key role in germ transmission. This means that keeping your hands clean is the solution to preventing the flu.

Make antibacterial wipes available in your office. Your employees will find it liberating to be able to control their workspace hygiene. They can wipe down their desk items as often as they please. This creates a feeling of confidence and boosts their work performance.

Besides this, install hand sanitising stations at office entry and exit points.

Interesting fact: Alcohol-based sanitiser kills bacteria and prevents it from developing resistance. So, sanitisers don’t lose effectiveness with continued use.

Consider the following benefits of hand sanitiser in the workplace:

• Reduces cross-contamination of germs. There’s no need to touch automatic sanitiser dispensers for them to operate.
• Kills germs within seconds. It takes a short amount of time to disinfect your hands.
• Convenient in the absence of sinks. This is the best option for your workers as they go about their daily tasks.

Source: who.int

Encouraging exceptional hand hygiene is as simple as that!

Providing these products gives them the extra nudge they need to keep their hands clean.

Couple this up by informing them of flu season etiquette to reduce the spread of the illness. This includes teaching them the importance of staying at home when they’re sick.

On the upside, this will lower the rate of presenteeism and reduce the exposure of your staff to the flu.

Remember, that a healthy employee is a happy employee.

2. Kitchens and Break Rooms

The kitchen is a hot-bed for the flu virus. Scientists state that flu germs can survive for 24 to 48 hours on hard surfaces. From the washing sponge to the coffee mug – everything in this area is a potential home for germs.

The best solution is to ensure your kitchen surfaces stay clean at all costs. The dirty little secret to achieving this is through surface sanitation. You should attack flu germs by using exceptional anti-bacterial cleaning products. Apply a small amount of the product onto a damp cloth and wipe down every surface to disinfect it.

It’s essential to also maintain a clean washing sponge to prevent cross-contamination. After washing the dishes, soak it in bleach for 10 minutes to kill any germs.

Pro tip: A sterilising cycle is the most effective way to dry dishes and keep them sanitary. Using a dishtowel is least effective.

When was the last time you cleaned the office refrigerator and microwave? You should know these two are the most germ-laden kitchen gadgets.

So, remember to throw out any old food containers and disinfect the interior surfaces. This involves cleaning out cupboards and washing coffee mugs often.

These sure-fire tips will keep you vigilant of your workplace hygiene.

3. Office Washrooms

Without a doubt, this is one area that deserves your undivided attention. To begin with, our fingertips have 2 to 10 million bacteria. Surprising enough, this number doubles after you use the washroom. This increases your chances of contracting the flu.

What you need to do is focus on washing your hands with soap and water.

Source: ucihealth.org

Instead of going for the conventional soap bar, install automatic soap dispensers. Here’s why you need these tools:

• Soap and water is the first line of defence in protecting yourself from the flu.
• Handwashing plays a key role in boosting your immune system.
• Your chances of getting the flu reduce by 21%.
• Handwashing reduces your chances of catching 80% of communicable diseases.

“Thorough handwashing with soap and water remains the best way to reduce the spread of disease-causing microorganisms’’

-Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., Professor of biology

As for the washroom surfaces, flu germs often hide in hard-to-reach areas. To get rid of them, hire your local deep cleaning experts to disinfect areas you may overlook.

This 4-step process leaves no stone unturned and creates a sanitary washroom environment.

To supplement your efforts to end the spread of the flu, you should use washroom posters.

These are subtle reminders that personal hygiene contributes to protection from the virus.

Master the Art of Flu Prevention in Your Workplace

Did you know that up to 20% of the New Zealand population contracts the flu each year? All these tips point to one fact: the flu ends with you. Encouraging your employees to take care of their well-being protects the society too.

You need to try out these tips and kill the flu virus before it attacks your workforce.

Maintaining workplace hygiene has never been so easy!

What’s more, Alsco New Zealand is always ready to take the burden off your shoulders. Through their professionally managed cleaning services, your workplace can enjoy 5-star treatment.

Give us a call today for a fast and free quote that fits your business needs.

Photo: Wikipedia

6 Steps To Train Your Employees To Become Deep Cleaning Pros

There is no doubt, as a restaurant owner you understand the importance of hygiene.

You may even argue that you carry out scheduled cleanups several times a day.

Yet, a huge upcoming event can throw you into disarray and may expose how much more you need to be cleaning.

What do you do when you discover cobwebs on the roof, wall splatters and grime in the areas you never imagined?

Washrooms are also a key area that should not be forgotten in your cleaning schedule. Due to the high numbers of visitors, washrooms are prone to develop dirt and grime.

Washrooms carry dirt that is not always visible to the naked eye. Yet this can maim your image and lower your hygiene ratings.

Food establishments should be more vigilant when it comes to maintaining hygiene standards.

Did you know unsafe food causes more than 200 diseases? These range from diarrhoea to cancers.

Foodborne illness affects people all over the world:

• Almost 1 in 10 people fall ill after eating contaminated food and 420,000 die every year.
• Every year, contaminated food causes illness in 550 million people and deaths in 230, 000.

Research indicates there are more than 250 foodborne diseases.

Hand washing is important in preventing the spread of germs and disease. Hand washing:

• Reduces the number of people who get diarrhea by 23-40%
• Reduces related illness in people with low immune systems by 58%
• Reduces respiratory illnesses in the population by 16-21%

Your staff members are the front line in the implementation of a good hygiene policy.

They are the forebearers in maintaining the cleaning standards set for your business.

Employees cannot do it alone. They need your support and commitment through training.

No matter what your business is, training your employees on cleanliness has benefits:

• It provides employees with confidence in their quality of service
• Makes employees efficient, more productive and happier
• Reduces the spread of infections and diseases
• Creates a safer, healthier environment
• Training gives your company an edge over others
• In the long run, training helps in cutting cost

Steps Involved in Training Your Staff:

Are you looking for a sustainable solution to cleaning problems?

How about getting experienced experts to clean and train your employees.

• They will offer you the highest quality cleaning service.
• They will customise their services to meet your needs.
• They will provide you with environmentally friendly cleaning products.

1. Establish Hygiene Standards to Be Adhered to in Your Restaurant

Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi.

Customers are very specific on the kind of restaurant they chose to step in to. Restaurant hygiene plays a major role in determining their decision.

Establishing hygiene standards help in keeping your staff and your visitors safe. It is also important in maintaining a positive perception of your restaurant.

Hygiene standards provide a sense of direction for both trainers and trainees. Trainers can identify blind spots and help your employees improve these areas.

Trainees are fast learners and will quickly adapt to areas they were previously missing out on.

Examples of hygiene standards include:

Personal Hygiene Practices and Cleanliness Standards

1. Food handlers must do their best to avoid food contamination.

   They should:

• Dress in proper workwear
• Follow special handwashing rules
• Report to their supervisors when they feel sick

Instead of encouraging staff to come to work when they are feeling unwell, to avoid being short-staffed. Create an environment where staff feel comfortable to call in sick. No one likes a sneezing server or runny-nosed chef.

2. Food Hygiene

   Food handlers have a huge responsibility in enhancing food safety.

   An effective way of meeting hygiene standards is by ensuring staff are well trained on:

• Proper handling
• Storage
• Cleaning techniques

3. Washroom Hygiene

   Your washroom hygiene speaks volumes about the way you run your business. It also impacts on the morale of your workers and your visitors.

• Schedule a regular cleaning routine
• Enforce washroom etiquette
• Hire deep cleaning service experts

4. Proper Handwashing

   Dirty hands can lead to the spread of germs and diseases.

   Proper handwashing entails the use of water and handwashing soap. It also means that you have to provide the best hand drying options for your staff and customers.

   2. Provide All the Necessary Equipment and Supplies

Use of practical skills ensures your trainees understand how they should conduct business.

Better knowledge and skills can also help in boosting employee morale. Happy employees are likely to stay longer at your company.

Provide all the necessary equipment and supplies needed in the deep cleaning training.

Effective training must ensure that trainers and trainees are well equipped. From brushes and scourers to gloves, all these resources have an impact on training.

For trainers, a supply of all they need ensures that the training runs smoothly and is productive. It also enables them to monitor the progress of the trainees.

3. Request for Feedback From Your Trainees

Feedback is valuable information that can be used to implement future improvements. As a restaurant owner, it is important to request feedback from your trainees.

Check for the knowledge gained by your employees by gauging how much they are able to share.

Go through activities performed in training to see how much they actually learnt. How much are they sharing with the junior staff?

Reviewing training helps identify any grey areas trainees may not be satisfied with.

It also helps you know how the trainees reacted to the training. If they found it valuable, you can learn how to improve future learning experiences.

Feedback is also important for trainers. It can help them look for ways to improve on future engagements.

4. Evaluate Training Results

The best way to test training results is to see if what was trained is being adhered to. Can you identify any changes after training is complete?

The way to tell that training has been effective is by measuring its impact on your staff.

Training that is impactful leads to improvements in cleanliness. It also leads to a change of attitude amongst workers and an increase in productivity.

How About Starting That Deep Cleaning Training Today?

Employee training is key in meeting hygiene standards set out by the government.

Providing proper training is essential in getting the job done safely and efficiently.

Training your employees helps in improving their capabilities and boosting their morale.

A well-trained employee is an important asset of the company.

While many companies offer deep cleaning training services, be sure to enlist the right company for the best results.

Photo: Sean Mulgrew

7 Ways You Can Prove To Your Customer That Your Restaurant Is Super Hygienic

Restaurants are a competitive business. If you’re running a restaurant you must maintain top-notch hygiene standards.

Running a restaurant means you handle customers’ food. This is an essential and very sensitive commodity.

Every year 1 in 10 people fall ill from eating unsafe food. Food safety is a shared responsibility. Yet, food handlers play a huge role in preventing foodborne diseases.

Poor hygiene standards can cost you your restaurant patrons. Nobody wants to risk their life while benefiting your business.

Customers have a very keen eye when it comes to selecting restaurants. They not only want to enjoy a sumptuous meal, but they also want to enjoy a great ambience free of any contaminants.

Restaurant hygiene is not just about maintaining the health of your employees. It also gives value and credibility to your business.

Hygiene standards reflect on the image of the company. They can make or break your business.

A good restaurateur must always think of ways to improve hygiene standards. From keeping the kitchen sparkling clean to staff personal hygiene, you need to always be vigilant.

7 Ways to Boost Your Patron’s Confidence in Your Restaurant Hygiene Standards

1. Have a Clean Track Record

First, work towards maintaining an unsullied hygiene track record. This is crucial in boosting customer trust in your restaurants’ hygiene standards.

You can achieve great hygiene by:

• Hourly sanitising high touch point areas
• Improved cleaning protocols
• Provision of handwashing soap and water at all wash points
• Safe food handling

Remember, you want to gain a great reputation as a go-to restaurant.

For this to happen you must maintain high food safety standards and keep up with health policies. These standards impact staff morale and give you a better reputation.

2. Conveniently Located Hand Wash Stations

Hand washing is an important aspect of hygiene that you should encourage in your restaurant.

The spread of germs from the hands of food workers to food can cause foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurants. Study shows that 89% of outbreaks in restaurants are caused by contaminated food.

Proper handwashing can curb the spread of germs. It can also reduce the spread of germs from workers’ hands to food and people.

Handwashing facilities should be conveniently located in the following areas:

• In the kitchen or within areas where food handlers work.
• Next to the toilets or toilet cubicle.
• Immediately at the entrance of the restaurant.

The government stipulates guidelines on the maintenance of hand washing basins in food premises. They should be permanent fixtures with a constant supply of water.

You must also provide supplies needed for a proper hand wash station at a restaurant. These include:

• A nail brush
• An adequate supply of handwashing soap
• Paper towels or roller towels
• Roller towel dispenser or other hand drying options
• Hot and cold running water

3. Display Your Restaurant’s Hygiene Standard Policy

Restaurant owners must ensure employees receive skills that raise their personal hygiene standards.

As a proprietor, it is important to educate staff to enable them to keep up with the Food Safety Standards.

Training in general hygiene practices is paramount. Display hygiene standard policies for future reference by your staff members. Place these in high traffic areas such as:

• Work stations
• Above hand washing sinks
• Open areas on the wall

4. Display Your Hygiene Rating by a Recognised Health and Safety Body

Hygiene rating cards are a good way of creating a buzz around raising hygiene standards.

Displayed rating cards can boost the morale of restaurant patrons. It can also lead to increased health inspection scores.

Place your rating cards in areas where they are visible to everyone:

• Near the entrance door
• On the windows
• Outside your restaurant

5. Prove It, Don’t Just Say It

Source: Jack Sparrow

How do you prove your hygiene standards? It is by providing actionable steps you are taking to make a difference. Here are a few ways to prove you’re going above and beyond.

• Keep Floors Clean

Dirty floors at a restaurant are depressing. They can make your patrons walk away from a loss of appetite. And who takes selfies in a dirty environment?

Again, you do not want messy accidents or lawsuits following you. To avoid all this, ensure your floors are sparkling clean throughout the day.

• Sparkling Cutlery, Crockery and Glassware

Impressions have a lasting impact. Unclean cutlery, crockery, and glassware is not the last picture you want on your patrons’ minds.

Keep kitchen utensils clean by sensitising the staff on the importance of hygiene.

• Keep Windows Spotless

When patrons visit a restaurant, they want to enjoy a sumptuous meal and a perfect ambience. Having dirty windows will be a turn off for your clients.

This is a perfect chore for staff when the restaurant is quiet or between rushes.

• Scrub Your Chairs, Tables and Countertops

One of the major attractions of a restaurant is the dining area. Chairs, tables, and countertops of your restaurant should be well cleaned and sanitised.

Invest in luxurious quality linens and towels to match your classy establishment. This helps in maintaining a wonderful appearance.

6. Restrooms are Spotless and Stocked

Restaurant restroom hygiene is of the utmost importance.

Restaurant washrooms are shared by both your employees and your visitors. Thus, they can impact on the reputation of your restaurant.

Having a good reputation means keeping your loyal patrons, which is what you want right?

How to achieve washroom hygiene:

• Have your washrooms cleaned hourly.
• Provide handwashing soap and water.
• Provide hand drying options.
• Strategically place disposable bins.

Note: Restaurant washrooms should be cleaned and sanitised throughout the day.

7. Staff Hygiene

Restaurant staff handle food. Without proper hygiene, they can easily cause contamination.

Many restaurants implement strict handwashing rules to prevent cross-contamination. Protective coverings like hair nets and food service gloves prevent contamination.

Employees should maintain high standards of hygiene at all times. A food handler must:

• Do their best to prevent contact with ready to eat food
• Wear outer protective clothing
• Ensure bandages or dressing on exposed parts of the body are well covered
• Not sneeze, blow or cough over unprotected surfaces likely to come in contact with food
• Not eat over unprotected food or surfaces likely to come in contact with food

Restaurant staff must follow a special handwashing policy. This means they must wash their hands:

• Before touching ready to eat food.
• After handling raw food.
• After using the washrooms
• After getting back to work after other engagements.
• After smoking, coughing or sneezing, etc.
• After touching their hair or any other body part, including their face.

Staff must inform their employers if they are diagnosed with, or suspect having contracted a foodborne illness.

An employee is entitled to 5 paid sick leave days per year to take care of themselves or a dependent.

Restaurant staff are at the front line of maintaining hygiene standards. From proper handwashing to proper workwear, your staff are the key to your success.

Do not forget to keep your kitchen staff educated on ways to keep food safe at all times.

Get Started Today and Improve Your Hygiene Standards

The importance of cleanliness in your restaurant cannot be overemphasised.

This article gives you the basics of restaurant hygiene. But there’s so much more you can do. Do not just look clean, be clean! Be sure to clean unknown hotspots for contamination in your restaurant.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to an expert who can help you adapt your business today.

Photo: Unique Hotels

How to Keep Your Office Washrooms Looking Professional All Day Long

Let’s be honest, an employee working for eight hours is likely to visit the office washrooms at least three times in a shift. And the number of visits could increase depending on individual needs.

This could be a person who needs a touch up before an important meeting or a moment away from all the workplace madness. It’s true. Some people use the washroom area to find peace and quiet.

They also use their phones in the washroom. Only 32% of people interviewed in a study found it impulsive to use a phone during a bathroom break.

Another study indicates that some people can spend up to 28 minutes in the bathroom while at work.

Workplace hygiene is of utmost importance. Health and safety regulations stipulate that employers must provide suitable toilet facilities. And the government of New Zealand has extensive guidelines. Employers must also provide:

• Tissue
• Running water
• Soap
• Clean towels or other effective means of drying hands

Source: pinterest.com

Productivity in the workplace is a joint effort between employers and employees. The two parties must work together in establishing a great working environment.

Maintenance of your restrooms has an impact on your employees. Employees feel valued and appreciated when employers provide washrooms with excellent hygiene standards.

Whether it’s replacing the paper towel or refilling the handwashing soap, every effort made is a plus. It makes your workforce happy and more productive.

Here Are 4 Ways to Keep Your Washrooms Looking Professional All Day Long

1. Regularly Clean and Sanitize the Washrooms

There’s nothing as horrible as a stinking office bathroom.

Nobody wants to go in and it is unsettling to think that germs could be making their way to your work desk. What’s worse, unclean washrooms harbour dangerous bacteria which can spread disease.

Lack of access to basic sanitation and poor hygiene cause nearly 90% of all deaths that result from diarrhoea. 87% of the world’s population has access to improved water sources. Yet 39% still lack access to improved sanitation.

Cleaning and sanitising your bathrooms will leave them sparkling and smelling fresh.

Cleaning once a day is adequate for a small office. Yet, high traffic washrooms may need to be cleaned several times a day.

Here are a few reasons why you must clean and sanitise your office washroom:

1. Improve Hygiene

   Washrooms attract a lot of dirt and grime. Shared office washrooms are bound to have a build-up of dirt carrying all sorts of germs and bacteria. This can lead to diseases such as influenza, Norovirus and COVID-19.

2. Eliminate Bad Odour

   Unclean washrooms tend to emit bad smells. This can affect employee productivity.

   Quality products can get rid of such smells, and leave the place smelling fresh and clean.

   Getting professional help is also a great idea. Experts know the best ways to deal with washroom odour in a matter of minutes.

3. Saves Time and Money

   Regularly cleaning washrooms prevents the build-up of dirt. The longer you take to clean up the mess, the more difficult it becomes.

   Dirt that has clung to surfaces for long periods of time may be difficult to clean. It may also cost you money as you involve experts and buy more aggressive products.

   Additionally, some washroom fixtures may get damaged in the process. To avoid all this, keep your office washrooms hygiene in check at all times.

2. Refill Hand Soap Dispensers

Employers should ensure office washrooms have hand soap dispensers.

Germs can be passed by touching various surfaces including work desks. Washing hands with soap limits the spread of germs that lead to microbial diseases.

It also helps protect you from the flu and other viruses at work. Proper handwashing is one of the many preventative actions against the spread of the flu virus at work.

Some washroom soaps are contaminated and this makes them unhygienic to use.

Sealed soap dispensers are a better option in maximising office hygiene. They come covered to limit the spread of germs and other bacteria.

Providing hand care facilities encourages employees to wash their hands properly and with soap. This is because they feel assured that touching the soap isn’t more risk than it’s worth.

There is a wide array of handwashing soaps available on the market. They come in different sizes and the different fragrances that also add to your range of options.

Scented handwashing soaps can also help keep your office washroom smelling fresh.

3. Install Automatic Fresheners

Source: pinterest.ph

It is no secret, bad-smelling washrooms will send your clients away. They may also slow your workforce, as they look for other options such as a coffee run.

Having a great smelling workplace is an indicator of how much value you place on your employees. Additionally, it also creates a good impression of your business on your visitors.

Automatic air fresheners are a good investment for your office. They release different scents which help in keeping the office environment happy. A nice smelling washroom increases the likelihood that visitors will stay to properly wash their hands.

Automatic air fresheners are convenient and release the perfect amount of product at intervals. They are also cost-effective, making them a better option than manual air fresheners.

4. Offer Hand Drying Options

Hands that aren’t dried properly are almost as bad as hands that aren’t washed.

Proper hand drying is an important step in handwashing. It prevents the spread of germs through surfaces that people touch. Bacteria thrive in the moist environment wet hands offer.

Washrooms offer two primary drying options:

• Paper towels
• Hand dryers

And the supremacy battles between the two options continues.

Good managers should ensure that their employees have a hand drying option available that suits the employees and the workspace.

Alsco’s excellent service offers multiple hand drying options. No matter the option you chose, the main goal is to keep germs at bay.

Alsco’s hand drying options are:

• Environment friendly
• Available in a variety of ranges
• Elegantly designed
• Extra quiet
• Ultra-fast at drying hands

Get Started: Schedule Proper Washroom Maintenance

Planning is important in ensuring office washrooms are maintained as they should be. Staying up-to-date is a difficult task that you probably don’t have time for. You need to:

• Schedule a duty roster and ensure it is adhered to.
• Implement a daily routine upkeep plan to maintain the standards that you want for your company.
• Introduce a hygiene policy to ensure that the staff know what is expected of them.

Wondering if there is an easier solution?

If all this sounds a bit too heavy for you, do not hesitate to reach out for professional help.

Alsco New Zealand provides excellent washroom hygiene standards to keep your office safe.

With experienced members of staff, they’ve got you covered on all aspects of washroom hygiene.

From replacing consumables to providing excellent hygiene systems they will transform your washroom with care and attention to detail.

Contact them today.

Photo: WikiMedia

How to Build a Sustainable Safety Culture Through Employee Mind-Set Shifts

Culture eats strategy for breakfast. This phrase is a popular catchphrase but still remains true. While workplace culture has become trendy, creating a safety culture remains a struggle. It’s the cornerstone of successfully implementing an effective health and safety program.
Safety culture refers to the mindset, attitudes, and behaviors of workers, supervisors, and owners toward safety in the workplace. It is impossible to fix it in isolation. You need coordinated efforts to create a wholesome safety culture.
It can be daunting to change your safety culture due to creeping complacency. Complacency can lead to catastrophic accidents, injuries, illness and sometimes threats to life. Don’t let this thought cripple you. There is always a way out.

Creating a Safety Culture

A systematic approach to creating a safety culture is the best way to start. Management needs to be on board and supportive of safe and healthy work practices. The goal is to instill new safety-related values in both management and staff.
Remember the core responsibilities of both management and employees in an organization. These roles influence how they view the task of creating a safety culture. If you provide essential first aid kits and create safety training programs with these factors in mind, you’re likely to succeed.

Table 1

Limiting Beliefs to a Safety Culture

There are mental roadblocks that prevent employees and management from immediately adopting safety. It’s important to be aware so you can know how to handle them. While management sets the pace for culture, both workers and leaders need to believe in the need for change. These common limiting beliefs offer insight into how to get support for a safety program.

Employees

When an organization pays too much attention to processes and tools, it’s easy to forget the staff. This prevents employees from trusting their intentions. Underlying feelings are the greatest motivators of behavior. It is important to address these limiting beliefs before they show up and hinder safety in your workplace.

• Limiting Belief 1: Fear of Being Penalized

  Despite their best intentions, many training programs leave employees wary of reporting incidents. They feel like they will be penalized for reporting too many incidents. They get this impression when procedures need staff to only report serious injuries.
  When employees hold back information, the whole company loses out. Management fails to learn from the near misses and other staff members don’t learn what to avoid. Frequent reports of danger are important in building an up-to-date safety policy. It will be able to accommodate changes in weather and unexpected challenges.

• Limiting Belief 2: Feeling Disengaged From Work

  Employees feel disempowered when you enforce a safety rule that makes their work harder. They feel the same if you don’t consult or ask for their input. It’s discouraging when safety rules make work harder than necessary.
  To empower your staff is easy. When the safety team creates new rules, talk to your staff. Understand what they feel about the new regulations. They’ll give you insights you didn’t think of since they are on the frontlines. They have a better grasp of the implications of the rules.
  Managers can also try a policy called “Managed Safety” as opposed to “Regulated Safety.” “Managed safety” gives staff the leeway to wear protective clothing when it’s necessary. Strict compliance with rules is ‘regulated safety.’ It does little in ensuring safety standards improve. In environments with significant variations in operational conditions, “managed safety” is important.

• Limiting Belief 3: Valuing Productivity Over Safety

  Since employees come to work to get things done, it is easy for them to sacrifice safety for productivity. Without a clear incentive to focus on safety, no one wants to be unproductive. Management needs to signal that safety is the priority. Otherwise, employees will conclude it’s okay to focus on results at the expense of safety.
  Management can counter this mindset by creating inclusive safety processes. Take work procedures into consideration while integrating safety and productivity. It sends a message that although work goes on, safety is the priority. It’s okay to pause work to solve safety issues.

Management

All levels of management serve as an example of safety culture in any organization. How they act toward staff and each other sets the tone in a company. When upper management supports workplace safety, it helps the employees embrace it.

Sourec: safetysolutionorgin.blogspot.com

• Limiting Belief 1: Negative Perspective on Culture Change

  Half-hearted implementation happens when managers have a low expectation of the process They expect change to come in years if it ever comes at all. Some are passive while others come in with little to no expectations of change. When this happens, managers fail to gain support from key influencers, build momentum or deliver early wins.
  Managers shouldn’t wait to deliver bad news to a worker’s family to get serious about safety. Find a way to make it personal. This way, you can be able to spread the urgency of safety and cleanliness to your team.
  Change is possible in a few months of concentrated and deliberate effort. When you commit to creating change, nothing will stop you from implementing what needs to be done. Culture is intentional. When a manager is serious, the staff will know and fall in line. Simple things like increasing signage or safety posters can lead to a huge improvement in safety.

• Limiting Belief 2: Over-Reliance on Behaviour Incentives

  In isolation, a behavior-based style of changing culture is defective. It leads to a culture of accusation where people get direct blame for accidents and incidents. Without considering external factors, you lose sight of reality. Well-rounded information helps you learn and put in place improvements.
  Reliance on behavior also leads to false incentive systems. When you reward workers for minimal accidents, it prevents staff from reporting all incidents. They do so to save their jobs and avoid penalties. This prevents your organization from learning about near misses and structural irregularities.
  Introduce structural cues that improve safety. They include signage in the appropriate areas. Place first aid kits strategically around your premises. First aid kits are crucial to a fast response in case of an accident. They are also a great psychological cue that reminds staff to value safety.

• Limiting Belief 3: Treating Safety as an Afterthought

  Reactive safety management is a common problem. Managers focus only on what is measured. When your organization doesn’t reward managers for prioritizing safety, they will keep it as a low priority item. It’s natural to only focus on what will gain praise and a possible promotion.
  Most organizations use statistics like incident rates to measure safety. However, just because there are few injuries at the workplace, it doesn’t mean it is up to the appropriate standards. Change how you measure safety to ensure your workplace gets safer. Don’t expose your staff to unnecessary risk. A well-meaning manager can overlook safety if the wrong metrics are used to measure it.
  Measure safety through proactive action from both management and staff. When you keep track of what the team accomplishes, it makes safety a daily concern. This can include providing clean changing rooms for wearing protective clothing. Keep the workplace hygienic by providing lockers for both clean and soiled uniforms. Managing safety in addition to other duties can be daunting. Consider outsourcing a uniform and cleaning vendor that can save you the headache. Get one that suits your budget and needs.

Make Your Safety Culture Sustainable

Safety culture is a group effort that starts at the top and involves all employees. From the limiting beliefs explored, we realize they are a result of a miscommunication of priorities.
Leadership needs to lead from the top. All levels of management are responsible for communicating the importance of safety. Lead with actions, and your team will soon be on board. Make it personal to become persuasive.
For your employees, the key is consistent communication and engagement. They want to do a good job, and when you keep them in the loop, they feel a sense of ownership. An engaged employee is a productive employee. Work with reliable vendors to help manage the safety needs of your staff, and you can never go wrong.

Photo: Fanjianhua

6 Ways Protective Workwear Benefits Your Organization

Let’s be honest. You wouldn’t think of going fishing without bringing along the right tackle. Would you?

Then why allow your workers to work without protective workwear? Protective workwear keeps workers safe from injuries.

But if the protective workwear is for the benefit of the worker, why not ask them to buy their own? This is a dilemma that many organizations face.

If you are in a similar situation, read on.

Protective workwear is, to a large extent, personal. Yet, providing it for your staff speaks volumes.

It shows the organization’s attitude and commitment to the safety of its staff.

Your workers do a tough job. At the very least they deserve protective workwear.

Whereas this benefits the worker, it also benefits the organization. Here are six benefits, although there are many more:

1. Promotes an organization’s brand.
2. Encourages uniformity and professionalism at work.
3. Helps an organization follow the set regulations.
4. Makes the workplace safe and secure to work in.
5. Saves the organization money.
6. Fosters team spirit in an organization.

Let’s have a look at each benefit.

1. Promotes an Organization’s Brand

Your staff’s workwear forms a key part of your company’s identity. It is a great marketing opportunity for your organization.

If used well, you can establish a strong brand identity. Which helps in making your brand recognizable to the public, and more likely to generate repeat customers.

To maximize this, customize the workwear. Include your organization’s logo and corporate colors on it. This helps to make it distinct from other companies.

Every time your workers wear their branded workwear, it markets your organization. Those who don’t know it gain awareness. And as for your regular clients, the branding enables them to spot your company from a distance.

You can brand your workwear in either of these two styles:

• Printing. This is a fast and cost-effective method. You can print the company logo on any material, including high-visibility jackets.
• Embroidery. This involves stitching the logo on the fabric. Making it ideal for non-waterproof workwear. Embroidery is longer-lasting than printing even after several industrial washings of workwear. Also, the process takes a longer time than printing. Embroidery is advisable when branding workwear using small logos.

2. Encourages Uniformity and Professionalism

It is difficult for workers to flout rules when they are wearing branded workwear. Your organization can use this to its advantage.

When your staff is in matching uniforms they become the spokespeople for your company. A branded uniform helps staff embody the company and keep them in character throughout their shift.

Customers are more relaxed approaching staff in uniform. When staff is in uniform customers feel more comfortable approaching them with questions, concerns, or advice. The uniform represents the brand and signifies to the customer that the employee is there to help.

Branded workwear presents a professional image of your organization. Clients can identify your staff and the company they associate with. This improves client service.

This can also lead to more business. When people see your staff looking professional, they may want to work with you or seek your organization’s services.

It creates uniformity and equality. Everyone looks the same and feels comfortable at work.

3. Helps Organization Follow Regulations

There are laws that demand organizations to safeguard the safety of their workers. Failure to adhere to the law results in consequences.

For example, New Zealand has a Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA). The act states that a person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure, so far as is practicable, the health and safety of workers. Also, that others are not placed at risk by the execution of the work.

This is a primary duty of care of an organization to its staff. You don’t want your organization to neglect this duty. You risk a legal suit when on the wrong side of the law.

There are different levels of protection depending on the level of risk. But how does an organization know what workwear to provide staff with to keep them safe?

For example, there are different classifications of hi-vis workwear. Each depends on the level of risk exposed to:

• Class 1. This is the lowest and most basic level of protection. Wear protective workwear in work environments of minimal risks. For example, wearing only a hi-vis shirt or trousers, but not both.
• Class 2. This is an intermediate level of protection. The protective workwear is more visible in the dark with shining headlights. For example, wearing a safety vest.
• Class 3. This is the highest level of protection. It is for environments that have a high level of risk. For example, wearing a hi-vis overall.

4. Make the Workplace Safe and Secure

Protective workwear makes employees feel safe and comfortable at work. It shows that the organization cares about the wellbeing of its staff.

Many industrial workplaces can be dangerous. Especially for employees who are not wearing proper protective equipment.

By ensuring that your employees have access to appropriate, high-quality, and industry-specific workwear as well as a trusted laundering service, you make the statement that you genuinely care about the health and well-being of your staff.

This positions the organization as the ideal work environment for prospective and current workers. The organization doesn’t have to worry about losing its skilled workforce.

When workers feel safe and secure, they are more engaged at work. They also stay longer with organizations. This reduces time off work because of illness or injury. The Queen’s School of Business and the Gallup Organization back this research.

The studies showed that disengaged workers had a 37% higher rate of absenteeism. Also, 49% of these workers had more accidents, and 60% had more errors and defects.

With protective workwear, it is also easy to identify those breaking the rules. Refusal to wear protective wear can be catastrophic for the individual and company. You can face legal action in case of an accident.

5. Save the Organization Money

Claims from accidents at work are costly! As an organization, you lose money, trained human resources and working days.

In fact, the cost can be so much that it drives you out of business. That is why organizations need to have safety measures in place to protect them in case of an accident.

Many organizations shy away from the cost of purchasing protective workwear for staff. This is a huge cost, especially where you have hundreds of staff.

While it might be an initial expense, you can save on lowered insurance premiums. This will help you recoup the costs associated with purchasing the protective workwear.

Besides buying protective workwear, put in place training programs to prevent injury and illness. This helps in risk reduction.

Sometimes, your insurance provider may lower your premium. This happens if there is a lower safety risk based on the measures your organization has taken.

Studies show organizations that invest in safety at work save money through:

• Reduction of insurance premiums for workers’ compensation.
• Fewer resources spent on the paperwork of filing injury and illness reports.
• Less money spent on compensating workers.
• Fewer resources spent to train new staff. Also to replace those absent from work due to injuries, illness or death from work injuries.

6. Foster Teamspirit.

Let’s take sports for example.

Notice how fans of a sports team wear their branded gear with pride?

It makes them feel part of the team. They are happy and proud to associate with that team.

They spend money purchasing branded items of their team so they can feel a sense of belonging.

That is how you want your staff to feel when they wear branded protective workwear. To ensure this, buy protective workwear that plays a functional and an aesthetic role.

You want your staff to not only be protected but also look good in their workwear. Let the protective workwear be well-fitting.

Factor in different styles and body shapes of your staff. Also, be gender-sensitive. This may seem expensive but remember it is a worthy investment.

It promotes unity and a sense of belonging among staff. Staff are proud to associate with your organization. They look out for each other and for the interest of the company.

This can turn your staff into brand ambassadors. When the staff is happy at work, their performance improves. There is also an increase in productivity.

Final Thoughts

Now you believe that protective workwear can benefit your organization.

Wondering where to buy protective workwear in New Zealand? And who will provide the most reliable options?

A trusted brand can help your business keep staff safe. Some huge benefits of purchasing protective workwear from a reputable provide include:

• High-performance protective wear. That is durable, safe and heavy-duty.
• The best price guarantee. Customers who buy in bulk get huge discounts.
• Branding your protective workwear. This improves a company’s image.
• Workwear sourced from the highest-quality manufacturers in New Zealand.

Getting in touch with friendly customer service representatives and finding a quote will help you place the perfect order for your organization.

Article contribution by Alsco New Zealand. Alsco aims to help create a healthier and safer workplace by providing affordable yet high-quality uniform rental service and hospital-grade first aid solutions.

Photo: Kevin Phillips

6 Amazing Tips to Best Manage Fatigue-Related Risks in the Workplace

Imagine being a customer service executive who has to work the night shift. You did not sleep or rest during the day, and now you’ve got to get to work.

After a few hours on the job, you’re tired and dozing off at your desk. The calls have slowed down. And then, there’s one call that stirs you awake, and in your confusion, you are off your desk and tumbling down to the ground.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Work-related fatigue is a common problem.

The most affected group of people are those who work the night shift.

But What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is the physical and mental state of being tired.

Physical fatigue is the inability of muscles to maintain optimal physical performance.

Mental fatigue is the decrease in maximal cognitive performance. This usually results from prolonged mental activity.

As this article points out, fatigue is more than the state of feeling tired or drowsy. In the work context, fatigue reduces a person’s ability to perform their job as they should.

Causes of fatigue:

• Lack of enough sleep
• Prolonged mental or physical activity
• Underlying medical conditions

Fatigue can be due to both work- and non-work-related conditions. It is important to note that it can accumulate over a long time, thus causing a breakdown.

Work-related fatigue is, in most cases, due to a lack of enough sleep. It is common among people who work the night shift.

Sleep problems are a risk factor for work injuries.

Research indicates that workers who did not rest enough had 1.62 times higher risk of injury.

A 2015 Southern Cross Health Care Group Survey revealed that a quarter of the New Zealand population feels fatigued every day. This number rises to 36% among people under 30.

The survey further shows 11% of New Zealand citizens have fallen asleep while behind the wheel.

It’s easy to see there is a clear link between fatigue and cases of injuries at work.

Useful Tips on How to Manage Fatigue-Related Risks in the Workplace

1. Provide Healthy Meals and Snacks

Source: Brooke Lark

There are various ways in which you can relieve employee stress at the workplace.

You can provide free and healthy meals made from wholesome foods. The food can be placed at different work stations. Employees can then snack whenever they are on their breaks.

This will keep employees healthy and prevent the consumption of junk food, which is common.

Additionally, having meals at the workplace saves time.

Verona Fossa explores food culture at work. She notes that food culture is close to an organization.

Sharing healthier foods creates a sense of connection between team members. This, in turn, boosts employee morale and productivity.

The World Moving and Storage Company offers breakfast at the workplace. Companies such as Sanitarium offer wholemeal food options. Tasman Bay Food Co. also offers healthy meal options.

Start by offering catered meals once or twice a week. You can also offer snacks, tea, water and coffee to keep your employees energized throughout the day.

2. Avoid Overexertion

The body has a way of shutting down from extreme exhaustion. Too many hours on the job can lead to fatigue in the workplace, thus posing a risk.

Working too long can lead to a decline in productivity as the body and mind slow down from exhaustion.

Reduce overtime so employees can work at their greatest levels.

Create a workplace culture that values rest. While you may not ban overtime, put a limit on the number of hours to ensure workers do not experience burnout.

In case your workers have to work long hours, ensure they also have time to take breaks, socialize, commute and spend time with family.

3. Introduce Leave and Holidays

Source: Andrea Piacquadio

Taking time away from work has immense physical and psychological benefits. People who take breaks and vacation time experience lower stress levels.

As a result, they enjoy improved physical and mental health.

Encourage employees to take their leave and holidays. If possible, ensure that such provisions are mandatory.

This will not only be beneficial to them but also to your business.

Taking breaks and holidays prevents burnout. It also ensures you have a re-energized team when they resume.

4. Provide Rest Facilities

Does your organization have a place where your employees can unwind?

Consider providing a clean, safe and comfortable environment where they can rest.

It could be a place where they sit down or nap before their shift or before their commute home.

Rest facilities could include entertainment features like television sets, games and books.

Note: Rest facilities should have good lighting, cool temperatures and tolerable noise levels.

It is a good idea to include green plants, as they reduce stress levels and provide a relaxing atmosphere.

5. Encourage Employees to ‘Work Smarter, Not Harder’

A 2018 survey of working life indicates that almost 1 in 10 New Zealanders have more than one job.

What this means is that a population of over 200,000 people work overtime.

The traditional 40-hour workweek is uncommon for those with many jobs.

Only 5% work a 40-hour week compared to 33% of single-job holders. Additionally, 20% of multiple-job holders work 60 or more hours a week across all their jobs.

Employers should ensure employees understand that working smart promotes productivity.

No matter how much time your employees spend in the workplace, what matters most is what they do.

Remember, you want the job done, but you want it done well. Too many hours at the wheel will only lead to a decline in productivity.

6. Educate Employees on Better Lifestyle Habits

The best way to keep your employees healthy is to educate them on better lifestyle habits.

Once in a while, you can also plan for training that will help in improving other aspects of their lives. Some of the lifestyle habits you can advocate for include:

Tips for Getting Better Sleep

• Reduce blue light exposure in the evening.
• Go to bed early and at the same time every day.
• Turn out the lights when going to bed.
• Remake your bed before bedtime.
• Don’t read or watch television in bed.
• Make your room dark and quiet before sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, especially before bedtime.

Tips on Eating

• Do not skip meals.
• Have a healthy and balanced diet.
• Establish regular eating times.
• Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
• Avoid overeating.
• Exercise regularly.

Take the Next Step to Reduce  Fatigue-Related Risks in Your Workplace

This article gives you six amazing tips on how to manage fatigue-related risks in the workplace. Organizations must continue working toward creating safety culture in the workplace. Provide appropriate workwear, educate and train employees on how to avoid fatigue-related risks.

Employers must also lead by example. They should involve workers in their efforts to build a safety culture.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio

The Ultimate Guide to Office Hand Hygiene

Did you know that your health status says a lot about your hand hygiene practices? That’s right!

According to experts, handwashing is the best way to protect the body from illnesses.

The workplace is one area where hand hygiene should matter the most. Your workers are the pillar of your business’s success, and they deserve to work in a hygienic setting.

Establishing a culture of hand hygiene among your employees reduces cross-contamination by 80%. This decreases the frequency of office absenteeism and makes staff healthier.

It’s amazing what a big difference handwashing can make!

“The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel, and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.”

–Anthony Robbins

You can jump on the bandwagon and encourage hand hygiene practices in your office. This guide answers all your questions and it’s what you need to get a head-start!

Source: slideshare

1. Stock up on High-Quality Hand Hygiene Products

Source: surewash.com

During an ordinary workday, employees touch many items. Hand washing is essential in killing bacteria that lodge on their hands.

A combination of soap and water is the best way to make this happen. Soap traps the microorganisms and water washes them away. Together they play a key role in keeping our hands germ-free.

Hand hygiene relies on the availability of the best products. This may seem pretty obvious, but one in every five people don’t wash their hands.

The products you provide should influence people to wash their hands. An ordinary bar of soap is less compelling because it may keep germs from previous users.

Installing an automatic soap dispenser is a better option. These dispensers use the no-touch principal which helps reduce cross-contamination among employees.

Liquid soap gets onto the palms without the touch of a button. This helps in reducing the spread of the common cold and influenza too!

Did you know that hand drying makes us 1,000 times safer compared to leaving the washroom with damp hands?

Bacteria stick to moist surfaces where they can grow. This may put your colleagues at risk of getting sick.

It’s desirable to provide the best hand drying products, such as paper towels and air dryers. This allows your employees to dry their hands well before leaving the washroom.

A common myth is that hand dryers are more hygienic. So, which is the best hand drying product to provide?

Research shows that paper towels are the best because they absorb all the moisture. They also contain eco-friendly materials that promote sustainability.

Buying the best paper towel brand for your washrooms helps build a positive brand image. The best part about going green is it attracts like-minded clients to your business.

2. Install Hand Sanitiser Dispensers in Common Areas

Did you know that workplace illnesses spread fast through communal touchpoints? Studies show that door handles spread germs to 60% of employees in less than two hours.

Hand washing is effective, but your employees can’t wash their hands all the time. They need a product to use when they’re on the move.

Hand sanitiser is the best go-to option when soap and water aren’t nearby. With an alcohol base, this product cleans off microbes within seconds.

Source: Freepik

It gives your employees the confidence to go about their tasks without the fear of getting sick. You should install wall-mounted sanitiser dispensers in common office areas, such as:

• Conference rooms
• Employee work areas
• Workplace kitchens
• Office building entry points

By doing this, you’re able to tackle disease-causing germs at the source.

Remember, showing concern for your employees’ well-being makes them feel valued.

Go the extra mile and provide a pack of anti-bacterial wipes at each employee’s workstation. This helps to defeat the spread of viruses through stationery items.

3. Maintain Spotless Workplace Washrooms

Illnesses spread when a sick person coughs or sneezes on a surface.

Your employees are at risk of falling sick when they touch these surfaces and forget to wash their hands. This is because viruses can enter through the eyes, nose or mouth after you touch your face.

The major takeaway point is: you should clean all surfaces to reduce the spread of infections.

‘’80% of all infectious diseases are transmitted by touch.’’

–henryschein

One key area of concern is workplace washrooms. They’re a source of germs and need special attention.

Your employees are more likely to wash their hands in a clean washroom.

Developing a cleaning plan ensures your washrooms stay sanitary all the time.

Consider hiring expert deep cleaning services to complement your workplace hygiene efforts.

Thorough sanitation helps get rid of dirt, especially in sink areas.

To make hand hygiene a habit, you should put up subtle reminders in your washrooms. Using eye-catching posters is the best technique to attract your employee’s attention.

Creative signs make them remember: ‘’Oh, I need to wash my hands!’’

‘’Reminder signs are successful in encouraging more handwashing.’’

–allportablesinks

This nudges them to take action and collaborate with your efforts to keep them safe.

4. Offer Hand Hygiene Training and Workshops

Areas frequently missed during hand washing. #GlobalHandwashingDay #firstaid #nurse #paramedic #doctor #handwashing pic.twitter.com/SYqVZjI2Rs

— Simon Nash (@simonnash1980) October 15, 2014

Data shows that 5% of people know the correct handwashing technique.

Don’t let this get you down!

Stay ahead by offering training sessions to teach your employees more about handwashing. During these sittings, invite a hygiene expert to give them the best hand washing tips.

After these sessions, send a breakdown of the discussion via the office newsletter. This gives your employees the chance to keep abreast with hand hygiene information. As a result, they become more aware of their hand washing practices.

Stay Informed on Medical Developments

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than the cure. You need to enforce extra guidelines to protect your workforce.

Learning better habits goes a long way in protecting our health status. This is why medical experts use Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs).

Other than vaccinations, NPIs are actions each person can take to stay healthy. In the event of a pandemic, NPIs are at the forefront of keeping individuals and communities safe.

Examples of NPIs include eating healthy and maintaining a safe distance from others. Although these are minor efforts, they effectively control the spread of contagious illnesses.

Source: NEJM Journal Watch

Different NPIs work for different situations. So, staying up to date on medical developments helps you understand the best NPIs to use.

The bottom line is you shouldn’t take shortcuts when it comes to office hand hygiene.

Leave no stone unturned by using high-grade cleaning products. Maintaining a clean environment adds to your office hand hygiene practices.

In the long run, your immunity system becomes stronger as a result of falling sick less often.

A great manager makes their employees’ well-being a priority. These incredible hand hygiene tips are the key to fighting the spread of diseases.

Photo: Freepik