How to Clean Your Office to Prevent the Spread of the Flu

Influenza or flu viruses survive on some surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Flu patients start spreading the virus before any symptoms appear and they stay infectious for up to seven days after their first symptoms.

Routine workplace cleaning plays a role in reducing the spread of the virus.

Common cleaning agents you can use against the flu include:

• Detergents (soap)
• Alcohol-based cleaners
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Chlorine
• Iodophors

Cleaning helps curb the virus, especially if there is an asymptomatic patient.

Why Cleaning Helps Reduce the Spread of the Flu

Regular cleaning prevents the spread of the flu. Understanding how the viruses spread will help you appreciate the role of cleaning.

The different flu viruses spread by:

• One-on-one contact – When people shake hands or touch an infected person.
• Indirect Contact – This happens by touching shared or contaminated surfaces. Common culprits in the office include doorknobs, staplers and printers.
• Shared Air – If an infected person coughs or sneezes and you breathe into the same air. If you inhale droplets from the infected person, you can get sick.

Different types of cleaning kill and/or remove the germs, reducing infection rates.

In the workplace, cleaning and personal hygiene can help save lives. It starts with basics such as handwashing or disinfecting surfaces several times.

Types of Office Cleaning Services

There are many approaches to cleaning. Each approach should help reduce the risk of spreading the flu virus.

Different cleaning methods have varied effects on flu-causing viruses. You need to understand each to decide the best one for your office.

Office Cleaning

Cleaning focuses on removing dirt, debris and dust. In the process, you also get rid of surface germs. It helps reduce the number of germs on a surface.

Cleaning encourages the removal of allergens and microorganisms. This helps improve the health of office occupants.

Yet, failing to clean the cleaning tools thereafter leads to the spread of germs. You need to use a germicide cleaner on your tools after every cleanse.

There are two common approaches to office cleaning:

ROUTINE CLEANING

This is everyday cleaning and focuses more on appearance. It helps get rid of dirt and dust, making the office look good.

Regular cleaning during flu season is crucial to reducing the spread of germs. It helps get rid of surface germs.

DEEP CLEANING

Deep cleaning requires moving of office furniture combined with strong cleaning agents. The goal is to get rid of grime and any accumulated dirt. This is an opportunity to clean hard-to-reach surfaces.

You can easily combine deep cleaning with sanitising and disinfection sessions.

OFFICE SANITISING

Hand washing is the first line of defence against infections. Learn more

Sanitising your office kills up to 99% of bacteria but has little effect on viruses and fungi.

Proper sanitisation requires you to leave the sanitiser on the surface for up to 30 minutes. Rinsing it off too fast reduces its effectiveness.

If you want to use it, find an alcohol-based sanitiser with up to 60% alcohol content. Look for a neutral-smelling sanitiser you can use around the office. Avoid any strong scents, which can make your employees uncomfortable.

During flu season, sanitisers come in handy. You can use them to wipe down shared spares and reduce the accumulation of germs.

Sanitising is quite effective on water-resistant surfaces. It also offers a quick solution for hand cleaning. You can even use it on commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs.

Sanitising should complement routine cleaning.

Office Disinfecting

Disinfecting kills bacteria, pathogens and viruses.

Disinfectants work by using a unique set of chemicals to kill germs on contact.

Some cleaning agents contain disinfectants. Nonetheless, you should get a professional to disinfect your office at least once a year.

You can also use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces or as a handwashing substitute. If you use a disinfectant, leave it on the surface for a few minutes.

Disinfectants offer the best protection against viruses such as influenza. If you can, include them in your routine cleaning.

Air Purification

Air purification dilutes flu viruses in the air and limits their spread. It reduces the risk of airborne infections.

You can purify the air by:

• Increasing the number of fans in the office.
• Opening windows to invite fresh air into the office.
• Increasing the exchange rate of the building’s ventilation system.

You can also prevent the spread of the virus by encouraging all sick employees to wear masks. It will reduce the risk of contaminating office air.

Flu Season Cleaning Tips

Image from: Pickpik

Focus on Commonly Touched Surfaces and Objects

Shared objects and surfaces can increase the spread of the flu.

Create a standard procedure for cleaning and disinfecting all shared surfaces and objects.

Most office surfaces and objects require a proper cleanse once a day. If you run a busy office, you can clean it twice or thrice a day.

Use disinfectant wipes on commonly touched surfaces every few hours if you are in retail. This also applies to offices that handle a high volume of walk-in customers.

You need to pay attention to surfaces such as:

• Desks, computer keyboards and mouses
• Faucet handles
• Doorknobs
• Staplers and printer surfaces
• Fidget toys
• Rails
• Lift buttons

If you have a confirmed flu infection, limit the person’s use of common surfaces. Provide them with a disinfectant they can use to wipe surfaces and/or objects they touch.

Regular cleaning gets rid of flu viruses fast. Get into the habit of wiping down surfaces, fumigating rooms and using disinfectants.

Follow Labels on Cleaners and Disinfectants

Make sure you follow the labels on your cleaning products correctly.

Start with a general cleaner to remove germs and rinse off with clean water. Afterwards, wipe the surface with a disinfectant to kill remaining germs.

If the surface does not have visible dirt, you can wipe it down with a sanitiser and follow up with a disinfectant.

You should leave the disinfectant on surfaces for a few minutes, giving it time to act on the germs.

Make sure you wipe down electronics with disinfectant wipes or solution. If you use a solution, avoid spilling it on your electronics.

Practice Safe Handling With Cleaning Solutions

Rubbish Bag 60L Black LD 50

Always pay attention to hazard warnings and directions provided on cleaning products.

Follow proper handling instructions when dealing with any disinfectant or sanitising chemicals.

You should follow general safety instructions, for example:

• Everyone handling cleaning products should wear gloves and eye protection.
• Avoid mixing cleaning products unless the labels show it is safe to do so. Careless mixing of cleaning supplies such as ammonia and chlorine can lead to injury. In extreme cases, it can bring serious health complications leading to death.
• If you distribute disinfectant wipes, make sure everyone knows how to use them.
• Always have a first aid kit to help you respond to mishandling of cleaning chemicals.

Manage Your Waste

Follow your industry’s waste handling procedures with any waste.

If you supply your employees with wipes, increase the number of dust bins on each floor.

After cleaning, make sure you throw away all disposable cleaning material immediately.

Supply your cleaning team with gloves to use when handling dust bins. This will reduce their exposure to germs from disposed tissues and wipes

Make sure everyone cleans their hand with soap and warm water after handling waste or dust bins.

Why you Should Choose the Right Office Cleaning Supply Company

As you can see, cleaning plays a role in reducing the number of flu causing viruses in your office. It can help reduce the risk of employees getting sick or spreading the virus if infected.

Notwithstanding, cleaning is only effective if you use the right products and techniques.

On technique, you can train your cleaning team and improve on it over time.

With products, you have to find the right supplies. You need someone who understands your industry. Someone who appreciates the importance of a clean and healthy workplace.

Try Alsco NZ today.

Alsco NZ specialises in hygiene solutions for the workplace.

With over 130 years of experience in the industry, you can rely on them for:

• A constant supply of cleaning solutions and chemicals. They will customise their supply to meet your industry’s standards.
• Eco-friendly cleaning products. Their products offer protection against germs without compromising the health of your employees.
• Compact handwashing solutions for everyone. Alsco NZ offers compact soap dispensers. You can place them in small spaces to encourage regular handwashing.
• A steady supply of disinfecting and sanitising wipes you can use to keep the office clean at all times.

Contact Alsco NZ today for all your office cleaning solutions.

You Need a Workplace First Aid Officer: Here’s Why

Do we really need to have a first aid officer at work?

That’s a question on the minds of many business owners and managers not just in New Zealand, but the world over.  And the answer is an absolute “yes.”

If an emergency occurred right now, a first aid officer (or a team of them) could make a huge difference in the outcome.

Before we take a look at the crucial roles and responsibilities of a first aid officer, let’s examine some legal considerations.

As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) in New Zealand, you must ensure there are enough workers trained to administer first aid at the workplace.

The number of trained first aid officers will depend on:

• The nature of the work being carried out at the workplace
• The kinds of hazards people at your workplace are exposed to
• The size and location of your workplace
• The composition of the workforce in your workplace

Failure to do this can result in fines of up to $10,000 for individuals.

Your legal obligations concerning health and safety are outlined in detail here.

What, then, are the roles of a workplace first aid officer?

1. Assess the Situation and Understand Its Severity

Thanks to their training, first aid officers can make a comprehensive assessment of emergencies quickly and effectively.

On the other hand, other employees are likely to panic, be at a loss for what to do or even complicate the situation further.

A first aid officer not only remains calm but helps others at the scene to regain composure.

They start by checking whether it’s safe to approach casualties.

First aid officers look around for anything that poses further risk to affected persons, onlookers and themselves.

Next, they identify the cause(s) of the situation at hand. Their judgement forms the basis of the kind of care they’ll give to those affected.

2. Protect Themselves and Others

We’re all aware that there’s no shortage of hazards at the workplace.

However, simply knowing they exist doesn’t mean everyone knows what to do about them.

The training first aid officers receive gives them an understanding of the different types of hazards as well as the correct action to take in different scenarios.

First aid officers know what to do in an emergency by following principles such as DRSABCD.

DRSABCD is an acronym that stands for:

Danger

First aid officers check for anything in the vicinity that could compromise the safety of everyone at the scene.

Response

The next step is to check whether the victim is responsive or has lost consciousness.

Send

Once this is established, send for help by calling 111.

Airway

For this step, check if there’s any obstruction of the airway.

Breathing

Check if the victim is breathing normally.

Compressions

If they’re not, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compressions.

Defibrillation

Cardiac arrest causes the heart to stop and interrupts its normal rhythm.

Blood may, therefore, not flow as it should.

Defibrillation is the process of restoring the rhythm of the heart by administering a controlled electric shock.

CPR and defibrillation are covered in more detail in the section below.

3. Perform CPR

Alsco’s managed Portable Defibrillator rental Services

Cardiac arrests are one of the leading causes of death in New Zealand. Nearly 6,000 people die from cardiac-related diseases annually.

When someone suffers from a cardiac arrest, it’s important to preserve brain function until blood circulation can be restored.

Keeping their blood flow active manually increases the possibility of successful resuscitation once medical professionals arrive.

This is achieved through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating.

If administered immediately, CPR can double or triple a person’s survival chances after cardiac arrest.

Workplace first aid officers know how to do this using an automated external defibrillator (AED)

There are two commonly known versions of CPR.

Of the two, the more elaborate one should be administered by trained first aid officers only.

It entails chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing at a rate of two breaths for every 30 compressions.

4. Recognise and Attend to Common Medical Issues

First aiders are better placed to recognise the symptoms of common conditions such as:

• Breathing difficulties
• Choking
• Coronary syndromes
• Diabetes complications
• Seizures
• Stroke

In any of these situations, they provide the patient with necessary care, buying them time until the emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.

They ensure that the patient is ready to receive advanced treatment once professionals take over the situation.

And, in everyday scenarios, a first aid officer is the person to help anyone on the premises affected by:

• Burns
• Cuts
• Eye injuries
• Fractures
• Head injuries

5. Manage Workplace First Aid Resources

Regardless of the size of your business, there is a need for first-aid resources to be properly managed.

As a PCBU, you are required to keep a register of all accidents and near misses when someone is harmed at work.

This register has a particular format and should be stored in a designated place.

Because you must report certain incidents to the Department of Labour, it’s important to have a first aider, as they know which cases qualify for reporting.

They understand that such reports need to be made within a given period (seven days).

Workplace first aid officers help efforts aimed at preventing accidents at work.

They share crucial information as well as health and safety resources to raise awareness. This helps everyone take responsibility (both personally and collectively) for their well-being.

Lastly, it’s their responsibility to maintain all the first aid kits at work.

The number of first aid kits required at your workplace depends on:

• How many people are on the premises
• The nature of work done
• The kind of hazards people are exposed to.

For businesses with more than 100 employees, there should be a first aid room and a team to attend to workers.

Understandably, it can be overwhelming to be in charge of all these first aid resources.

You should consider working with a managed first aid service to improve workplace safety.

This kind of service can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your first aid officer(s) as well.

What Is Alsco’s Managed First Aid Service?

Alsco New Zealand offers a comprehensive first aid kit rental service.

Rather than buying, restocking, managing and replacing all your workplace first aid kits manually, Alsco handles everything, so you don’t have to.

Alsco provides you with as many kits as needed, and your kits are restocked with hospital-grade supplies regularly.

With Alsco, you never have to worry if your kits are in the right condition. Every kit is checked to ensure that you’re compliant with government regulations.

Alsco New Zealand FAQ

Is it better to rent or buy first aid kits?
Renting is a better alternative to buying. It’s cost-effective, and Alsco offers maintenance and restocking at no extra cost!

Does Alsco have kits for my kind of business?
Alsco offers different kinds of kits which are tailored to meet your unique business needs.

Just by filling out a simple form, you can get specific information on what Alsco can do for you, regardless of the industry you’re in.

How often does Alsco check on the kits?
First aid kit maintenance is done every three months. This way, your kits are fit for use, and there are no expired or contaminated contents.

To choose Alsco is to choose reliable, trusted and guaranteed service.

Don’t take our word for it.

“Making contact with Alsco was the best decision we could have made. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Alsco to any company that wants a professional service day after day.” — Miranda Sage, Administration and Marketing Manager, Delta Stock Crates Ltd

Ready to elevate safety at your workplace for as little as $1 a day? Get your quote now.

Photo: FVSU

Why Is First Aid Important in the Workplace?

Many business owners and managers often wonder if they need first aid officers at work.

After all, a few first aid kits should do the trick, right?

This isn’t the case.

First aid is so vital in any workspace, it requires dedicated effort, commitment, and adequate resource allocation.

Another significant concern among many managers and owners is the cost implications of first aid for their establishments.

However, any cost associated with first aid is an investment rather than an expense.

Here’s why:

1. First Aid Saves Lives

This may seem obvious, which explains why many overlook first aid and downplay its role in the workplace.

Business owners often wonder what the odds are of a life-threatening incident taking place at work.

They fail to take precautions.

And they become part of the statistics.

Workplace fatalities (injuries sustained at work that result in loss of life) went up between 2018 and 2019.

Consequently, nearly 100 people lost their lives last year.

The sad truth is that many of these deaths are preventable.

In the event of an emergency, the only way to prevent loss of life is to have an elaborate first aid system in place.

Doing this ensures that injured persons receive treatment quickly, and in the proper manner.

It’s been established that first aid improves a person’s survival chances. Moreover, it offers better outcomes for recovery.

2. It Reduces Workplace Accidents

When something goes awfully wrong, people begin to ask themselves if anything could have been done differently.

They question whether the event(s) could have been avoided. Naturally, regret is rife at such a time.

While we can’t turn back time, we are quite capable of preventing things from going awry.

First aid helps reduce the frequency and intensity of accidents at work.

How does this happen?

For first aid to be administered effectively, there’s a need for elaborate training.

During the training process, employees are made aware of the ways in which they can make the workplace less prone to accidents.

Training emphasises caution, personal responsibility and provides insight into common hazards at work.

This helps everyone at work understand how to avoid them. In addition, people learn what they can do to get removable hazards out of the way.

For instance, first aid and safety training address the proper way to handle dangerous chemicals.

These should be clearly labelled and stored in designated cabinets to prevent accidental contact with them.

Common workplace hazards are classified as follows:

Physical

These are the most common workplace hazards. They include slips, trips, falls, exposure to excessively loud noise, and injuries sustained while using machinery.

Biological

These include contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, insect stings, animal bites, and exposure to pathogens.

Chemical

Toxic and flammable chemical substances pose a risk of poisoning or burns. Examples include cleaning products, vapours and fumes.

Ergonomic

Ergonomic hazards occur due to physical factors that can harm the musculoskeletal system. Such hazards are caused by lengthy periods of discomfort. Examples include repetitive motion, poor lighting, and poor posture.

Psychosocial

This category encompasses matters at work that affect your emotional and mental wellbeing. Psychosocial hazards include victimisation, harassment, stress and violence.

3. First Aid Training Is Useful Outside the Workplace

Skills acquired or harnessed at work can be highly useful in other settings.

First aid isn’t any different.

The vital information obtained from first aid training can be of great use outside of work.

One valuable principle that demonstrates this is DRSABCD.

The acronym outlines the correct course of action to take, step by step, during an emergency.

Danger

First, look around for anything in your immediate surroundings that could compromise your safety as well as that of others.

This includes:

• Distressed persons that could harm themselves or cause further injury to affected persons
• Oncoming vehicles and bystanders
• Flammable or toxic chemicals
• Naked wires
• Poisonous fumes
• Fire and smoke
• Sharp objects (e.g., shards of glass)

Response

This step entails checking whether or not the victim is responsive.

Send for Help

Once the victim’s status is established, send for help immediately by calling 111.

Airway

Ascertain whether there is anything obstructing the victim’s airway.

Breathing

This step calls for you to check that the victim is breathing normally.

Compressions

If the affected person is not breathing properly, perform CPR compressions. Here’s how.

Defibrillation

Alsco’s managed Defibrillator rental services

This refers to normalising the rhythm of the heart or restarting it. Defibrillation requires the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Given the number of deaths caused by heart conditions in New Zealand, you should understand how to use an AED.

AEDs are common in many buildings across the country, from schools to residential complexes.

In the event that someone suffers from cardiac arrest, an AED triggers the heart to resume its normal rhythm.

4. First Aid Improves the Working Environment

When you provide employees with first aid training, you demonstrate concern for their well-being.

In turn, this can foster trust.

The training process boosts staff morale. When everyone is in good spirits, you can expect to see improvements in productivity.

Moreover, first aid training provides an ideal opportunity to enhance team spirit.

Employees get to bond, interact and create memories as it serves as a team-building exercise.

A good example of this would be safety games.

Check out the following links for ideas on fun safety games you could incorporate into your training:

• Careerstint
• Bizfluent

As a result of activities undertaken during training, the work environment gets better for everyone in it, from staff to clients.

The Hassle-Free Way to Improve First Aid at Your Workplace

Another concern shared by many who run businesses is the cost of acquiring a sufficient number of first aid kits.

Thankfully, there’s a cost-effective alternative to purchasing first aid kits: using a first aid kit rental service.

Alsco’s managed first aid kit service not only guarantees safety at your business. It also keeps you compliant with New Zealand legislation throughout the year.

Regardless of your type of business, Alsco provides first aid kits that can be adjusted to your needs – at no extra cost.

What Sets Alsco’s Rented First Aid Kit Service Apart?

Our first aid kits are:

• Regularly restocked with hospital-grade supplies every three months. We keep track of first aid kit contents so you don’t have to.
• Tailored to suit your business needs. Every industry has unique characteristics that call for different types of kits.
  Whether you’re in a white or blue-collar workplace, Alsco New Zealand has you covered.
• Affordable. Alsco’s managed first aid kit service is available at a single, all-inclusive annual fee with no extra charges!
• Logically organised with colour-coded modules. This makes for quick treatment of injuries with the right kit in the right order.
• Properly stored in sturdy, compact, highly-visible cabinets. We can install them anywhere in your workplace.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about environmental impact.

Alsco has a first aid redistribution program in place.

We sort reusable supplies instead of discarding them. They are then donated to voluntary and charitable organisations including:

• Animal shelters, zoos and SPCA branches
• MAA (Medical Aid Abroad)
• Rotary

Want to get limitless maintenance and restocking all year round at one fee? Get a quote tailored just for you.

What Are 10 Items in A First Aid Kit?

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity in the workplace as it will enable you to handle an emergency.

There are first aid kits available for homes, businesses, vehicles as well as portable kits that you can take with you wherever you go.

According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, companies must provide protective gear in the workplace and rescue equipment for all its employees.

The other important provision is first aid facilities with a trained First Aid officer to manage and use in case of an emergency.

You must have at least one kit and first aid officer for every 50 employees on board. This will ensure that staff members are well taken care of during an injury or accident.

You can purchase or rent First Aid kits which are sturdy, easy to carry, and easy to use. You can opt for Managed First Aid kits which are easy to use, easy to maintain and replace when necessary.

What Should a First-Aid Kit Include?

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Kit Supplies

These are some of the items you can have in a First Aid Kit:

• an up-to-date first-aid manual
• a list of emergency phone numbers
• antiseptic wipes
• antibiotic ointment
• saline solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• extra prescription medicines (perfect for staff on the road while on duty)
• Eye pads and sterile gauze pads of different sizes
• adhesive tape and adhesive bandages (Band-Aids) in several sizes
• a splint
• Tweezers, sharp scissors and safety pins
• disposable instant cold packs
• plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• mouthpiece for giving CPR (available from reputable health organizations)
• A Defibrillator (AED)

How to Get The Most From Your First Aid Kits

• Read the first-aid manual to better understand the First Aid kit contents. These manuals must be checked regularly to check if they are up to date.
• When installing First Aid kits in the workplace, they must be easily accessed and well labelled. You can get clear signage that will direct First Aid officers and other staff members in the event of an emergency.
• Regular kit checks are important. Replace missing items or anything that has expired. Items such as gauze, gloves, solutions and bandages will lose their sterility over time and these must be replaced.
• Have regular training for First Aid officers and the staff on First Aid kits, procedures and emergency protocols. Remind staff members that even when the first aid kits are used for an emergency, they MUST call emergency services in case of a serious injury.

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Why is First Aid Important in The Workplace?

1. It is the first course of action in an emergency before calling emergency services. If a staff member is injured, say in the eye by corrosive substances, you must quickly wash out the eye. In the case of a cut, pressure must be applied to stop the bleeding. More serious cases like cardiac arrest must be controlled using an AED within the first 5 minutes of the emergency.
2. It saves time and money. Having well-stocked First Aid kits in the workplace will prevent staff members from missing work or staying away for days from duty. It also helps to boost morale in the workplace because First Aid kits show that their wellbeing is being considered.
3. It will prevent an injury from becoming worse. During any emergency, time is of the essence. Waiting for an ambulance or ignoring an injury can lead to an escalation of the situation. It can lead to a bigger health threat or can even prove fatal in some cases.
4. When staff members are regularly trained and able to administer first aid, they have already learned an extra life skill. With the help of the resident first aid officer, a staff member can take care of an injury in no time and report back to work.

How Do You Choose the Best First Aid Kits?

• First Aid kits must be suitable for the environment it will be used in. When choosing workplace kits, you should keep in mind the following factors:
  • The workplace size and layout
  • Number of staff members
  • Workplace hazards
  • Is the workplace in a remote place
  • How far the workplace is from an emergency room.

• Workplace First Aid Kits must be well-stocked and easily accessible. Aside from the regular bandages, saline solution, gauze and medicines, a workplace kit should have a defibrillator which are lifesaving in the event of a cardiac arrest. Some workplaces may have first aid rooms that contain more equipment and sufficient resting space for ailing staff.
  Company vehicles must also have first aid kits for the drivers and their passengers. They will usually be smaller and easy to store or carry and come in more sturdy storage to prevent any damages.
• First aid kits must be clearly labelled with the white cross against a green background. One of the main things that emergency drills teach in the workplace includes being able to find first aid kits and AEDs within the building in case of an emergency.
• When buying or renting the best First Aid kits, you must make sure that they are legally compliant. This means that is should follow workplace First Aid code by ensuring that all staff are aware of their location. A first aid officer should be present to assist in case of an emergency and it must be well-stocked as required.

Turn to  Alsco New Zealand for Managed Rental First Aid Kits at a minimal fee. We offer both vehicle and workplace kits that are compliant and well equipped. Alsco NZ will install them, conduct regular checks and restock them without additional charge.

How to Use a First Aid Kit

Almost everyone will need to use a first aid kit at some point in life.

First aid kits make all the difference in the first five minutes of an accident, especially in the workplace. There are a number of injuries that can happen to employees while on duty, and these must be well taken care of before emergency services arrive.

According to Worksafe Data, there have been over 31,026 injuries from Jul 2018 to Jun 2019 that have resulted in staff being out of work for a week or more.

In addition, there have been 750-900 workplace-related deaths in New Zealand.

The most common workplace injuries between Jul 2018 and Jun 2019 that kept employees out of work included muscular stress while lifting and carrying or putting down objects.

These statistics show the importance of first aid kits in the workplace.

First aid kits vary in size and content, which depends on the presence of first aid officers in the workplace as well as how far it is from the nearest emergency room.

Ready-made first aid kits are available from managed first aid kit services like Alsco.

First Aid Kit Basics

While at work, first aid kits are usually used for treating common injuries like:

• Burns
• Cuts
• Eye Injuries
• Splinters
• Sprains and strains
• Abrasions (scrapes)
• Bumps from falling objects

First aid kits should also be installed in company vehicles to enable employees on the road to take care of any injuries while on duty. Travel kits should have not only medical items but also medicine that can take care of common conditions like:

• Fever
• Coughs and flu
• Cuts
• Body pain
• Stomach conditions
• Skin ailments and allergies

Stocking a First Aid Kit

Download FREE First Aid Restocking Sign A5 poster

When stocking first aid kits for the workplace, you should ensure they are well-stocked and easily accessible to all employees.

You should have at least one officer and first aid kit for every 50 employees.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing and stocking a first aid kit:

• If the kit is being used in wet workplaces or on the road, opt for water-resistant, strong and sturdy cases or containers.
• When choosing and stocking a first aid kit in the workplace, these are some of the things to consider:
  • How big the workplace is and its layout
  • How many staff members are present
  • What the common injuries in the workplace are
  • How far the workplace is from the emergency room if needed

• The kits must be well-stocked and accessible to all employees. Depending on the type of workplace, you may have first aid rooms which come with more equipment and adequate space for patients to rest or wait for emergency services.
• When buying or renting first aid kits, ensure they are legally compliant. This means it should follow the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 that makes it mandatory for companies to offer first aid services in the workplace. The kits must be well-stocked with the necessary items, and there should be professionally-trained first aid officers in-house.
• Use latex gloves when handling the kits to protect yourself and others. Check for any unused items that lose their original state over time. You must also check all medicines and solutions to avoid using expired items.
• Always do a regular check of first aid kits and contents. You do not have to worry about this when using managed first aid kit services like Alsco because they will not only provide but stock your kits regularly for a minimal annual fee.

Must-Have First Aid Kit Essentials

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Kit Supplies

A workplace first aid kit should have these items:

• Adhesive tape
• Anesthetic spray or lotion – which is perfect for rashes, bites and burns
• Gauze pads, ace bandages and adhesive bandages in various sizes to cater for a number of injuries as well as holding splints together when needed
• Aloe vera topical gel or cream, perfect for burns
• Latex gloves that can be for protection from infection and also makes great ice packs when filled with water and placed in a freezer
• Antibiotic cream which can be applied to simple wounds
• Safety pins, tweezers and scissors. These are used for fastening bandages, removal of splinters or foreign objects in the skin and cutting what needs to be cut respectively
• saline solution for cleaning out wounds (like hydrogen peroxide)
• Extra prescription medicines for common ailments
• Eyewash Station to handle eye injuries that must be taken care of in seconds
• Defibrillator for cardiac arrest cases
• First aid manual
• Small flashlight
• Thermometer to check for fever

The Importance of First Aid Kits in the Workplace

Alsco’s managed first aid kit rental services

The first aid kit is the first course of action in the event of an accident. Quick action is required for cuts, eye injuries by corrosive substances and so on, as you must wash out the eye and control bleeding.

There are also more serious cases like cardiac arrest which must be handled using a defibrillator within the first five minutes to ensure survival.

Having well-stocked first aid kits in the workplace is a time and money saver. This is because it will keep employees from missing work or spending days away from duty.

It also boosts morale in the workplace because first aid kits show their wellbeing is being considered.

First aid kits will prevent an injury from worsening. During any emergency, time is crucial. First aid helps to manage an accident as you wait for emergency services.

When staff members are regularly trained and able to administer first aid, it will empower them to handle a crisis in and out of the workplace. With the help of a designated first aid officer, employees can handle an injury as quickly as possible.

Why choose Alsco managed rental first aid kits?

• Regularly restocked with hospital-grade first aid supplies free of charge.
• Our kits are matched with your business needs and stocked with the supplies you’d most likely need.
• All these services are available for a single, all-inclusive annual fee.

First Aid Kit Basics

Accidents tend to occur when you least expect them. To meet health and safety regulations, every employer must ensure they provide first aid kits in their workplace.

Failure to do so could result in hefty fines and lengthy, expensive legal battles.

First aid is defined as the initial care provided to a person who has suddenly fallen ill or has been injured until further medical care is administered.

Immediate and effective first aid promotes recovery by reducing the severity of the injury.

The workplace can present different kinds of potential risks and hazards to employees.

Worksafe (the regulatory body for New Zealand’s workplace health and safety) has laid out the following factors to consider when providing first aid equipment and facilities at a workplace.

• The location and size of the place of work. Is the workplace in a remote location? What is the distance to the nearest medical facility? Is there easy and fast access to first aid equipment in designated areas within the workplace? Are the workers within one location of the workplace or scattered?
• The potential and type of work being done. What is the nature of the work? Assess the potential injuries and illnesses that are likely to occur.
  • Low-risk work environment – This is a workplace where employees are not exposed to threats that may lead to serious injuries or illnesses.
  • High-risk work environment – These are workplaces that expose employees to potential threats that may lead to serious injuries or illnesses.
• The number of employees – Consider the number of workers during specific work hours and shifts.

A report by WORKSAFE states there were a total of 79 fatalities that resulted from work-related injuries and 10,317 injuries that resulted in employees missing more than a week of work.

A well-stocked first aid kit can provide easy and accessible first aid care to an injured person before having them transferred to the nearest medical facility.

First aid kit contents may vary from one workplace to another as there are varying factors to be considered. However, a basic first aid kit may generally contain basic equipment for administering first aid.

Workplace First Aid Kit Essentials

• Sterile wound dressing
• Roller bandages
• Ice pack – For sprains and strains.
• Disposable latex gloves – To prevent direct contact with someone else’s blood and other bodily fluids, protecting the casualty and first aider from infections.
• Face shields
• CPR mask – Used on casualties that are not breathing.
• Antiseptic wipes – For wiping the wound.
• Antiseptic liquid – For cleaning the area around the wound.
• A pair of scissors – For cutting gauze, dressing and bandages.
• Hemostatic dressing – To stop excessive bleeding.
• Eyewash solution – For rinsing the eyes.
• Alcohol wipes – Used to clean the skin around the wound before putting the dressing on it.
• Hypoallergenic paper tape – Holds the dressing and bandages in place.
• Bandages
• Cotton swabs – Used with the liquid antiseptic to clean out the wounds.
• Arm sling – To hold the arm in place in case of a fracture.
• Biohazard bags – To dispose of the used items that have come into contact with bodily fluids such as blood.
• Burn gel – For relieving minor burns.
• Gauze bandage – Used to cover larger wounds and absorb any blood and bodily fluids that would come in contact with the wound.
• Band-aids – For small cuts and bruises.
• A list of all the items and their expiry dates – To easily identify what contents are in the kit.
• Instruction booklet – Advises on how to use the items in the kit and what to do in an emergency.
• Emergency phone number

Click here to learn more about New Zealand’s Labour Health and Safety laws.

Is a First Aid Course Important?

First aid knowledge can mean the difference between life and death. Only a frighteningly small amount of individuals know what to do during an emergency.

Taking a first aid course is the only way to ensure that a person can confidently use the items in a first aid kit during an emergency.

Ensure there is a comprehensive plan in place in case of an emergency.

First Aid Course Benefits:

• Helps to minimise workplace accidents. The training enables the employees to be more cautious and mindful of safety at their place of work. They can identify potential hazards and threats before they happen.
• First aid training offers valuable skills to your employees. These skills are not only useful in the place of work but their everyday lives. This will allow them to be confident enough to perform first aid in an emergency where their family is involved.
• Giving first-aid training to all your workers cultivates a positive work environment. It shows that you care about your employees’ safety and well-being.

Maintaining the First Aid Kit

First aid kits tend to be neglected because a majority of people assume they might never really need to use them. However, just like most products, the contents in a first aid kit wear out and expire.

The only way to guarantee the contents in a first aid kit is safe to use and are in working order is to check them regularly.

To ensure the items in the first aid kit are safe to use, you must:

• Conduct regular inspections on all first aid kits in the workplace (at least once every month).
•  Replace the used items as soon as possible after using them.
•  Make sure the items are not faulty and are in good working condition.
•  Ensure all the contents are current.
•  Keep a record of when the items in the first aid kit are expected to expire.
• All sterile products must be sealed.
• Get rid of any damaged or opened items and replace them with new ones.

Where Should You Store the First Aid Kit?

Emergencies are never pleasant and often come about unannounced. Therefore, immediate attention is normally required.

In an emergency,  panic might cause people to forget how to react and deal with the situation. Therefore, it is advisable to make sure the first aid kit is stored in an easily accessible location.

You should also ensure that all the employees know where it is kept. Ideally, it should be positioned in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight.

Should You Buy or Rent a First Aid Kit?

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Kit Supplies

Purchasing a first aid kit can be a time-consuming and costly affair in the long run. This is because the contents wear out and expire over time, meaning that you will be required to buy another.

An easy and cost-effective solution is to rent instead of buying one.

Alsco NZ offers a great range of first aid kits customised for your specific requirements. Their first aid rental services guarantee that your workplace first aid kits are restocked regularly using hospital-grade supplies with access to their full range of kits for any kind of workplace, whether high- or low-risk.

Why choose Alsco?

• They have a hassle-free, scheduled, first aid maintenance service saving you the time and trouble of having to constantly inspect the first aid kits.
• They are eco-friendly and have a programme for recycling unusable worn out or expired first aid supplies.
• Their kits meet Safework New Zealand standards.
• Alsco offers unlimited restocking and maintenance of the first aid supplies on a one-time-only fee payment.

Contact us today to get a quote!

Learn First Aid Vocabulary in English (It Could Save Your Life!)

New Zealand is a culturally diverse country. For many, English is a second language used in conjunction with other languages.

This poses a challenge, according to New Zealand’s Office of Ethnic Communities:

“Proficiency in English allows people to integrate into society. Essentially, if people cannot speak English they will have difficulty connecting with others living here and interacting with most businesses, services and government agencies.”

Now, picture this in the context of an emergency. Keep in mind that whether you or someone you know will need first aid is a matter of “when”, not “if”.

“The danger which is least expected soonest comes to us.” – Voltaire, French poet and dramatist

If you’re unable to properly convey information in such a situation, it’s likely that you or another affected person may not be assisted properly and quickly.

Too much time will be taken trying to create understanding between you and the medics.

Time is of the essence; it determines whether a victim’s life is saved or if they succumb.

If English isn’t your first language, something can be done to fix this.

This article contains important first aid vocabulary. Familiarising yourself with it will help you respond better when the need arises.

First Aid

Worksafe New Zealand defines first aid as the immediate, basic care given to an injured or sick person.

This is before a doctor, a health professional or an emergency service provider takes over their treatment.

First aid aims to preserve life and minimise serious injury by:

• maintaining breathing and circulation
• stopping excessive blood loss
• immobilising broken bones

When any of the above is done to a wounded or injured person, we say that first aid has been administered.

We can also say that a person has been attended to.

New Zealand’s Emergency Number

The line to use in the event of an emergency is 111.

EMS/First responders

Once the call is made, the team that receives your message and dispatches an ambulance to the scene is referred to as Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

These emergency medical technicians are also called first responders because they address the situation before anyone else.

Usually, they have medical training to provide basic care before and during a patient’s transfer to the hospital.

Alsco’s Portable defibrillators

Paramedics

Paramedics differ from first responders as they have specialised training on how to provide a wide range of medical services before and on the way to the hospital.

For instance, a paramedic would correctly use a defibrillator to get the heart beating normally again.

DRSABCD

It is crucial to understand this acronym which describes the correct steps to take when handling an emergency.

DRSABCD stands for:

Danger

The first step is to check for anything in the vicinity that could compromise your safety or that of other people.

This includes:

• Distressed persons that could harm themselves or cause further injury to affected persons
• Electricity (e.g., naked wires)
• Traffic such as vehicles and bystanders/curious onlookers
• Chemicals, as they could be toxic or flammable
• Fumes which may cause respiratory problems if inhaled
• Fire and smoke
• Sharp objects such as shards of glass
• Unstable structures

Response

Next, you should check whether the victim is responsive or has lost consciousness.

Send

Send for help by calling 111.

Airway

Check if anything is obstructing the airway and look for signs of life.

Breathing

Check if the victim is breathing normally.

Compressions

If they’re not, perform CPR compressions.

Defibrillation

This refers to normalising the rhythm of the heart or restarting it.

If someone’s having a heart attack, defibrillation sends an electric current through the body, getting the heart to continue pumping blood as it should.

Assess

This refers to the first responders’ efforts to understand the emergency situation before deciding on the most appropriate set of actions to take.

Stabilise

In the event that a person is badly injured, the EMS technicians will attend to them immediately (e.g., to stop excessive bleeding). This is done to keep their condition stable.

Demobilise

To demobilise means keeping the patient from moving, in order to prevent making an injury worse.

CPR

CPR stands for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.

It refers to the process of resuscitating someone if they’ve stopped breathing.

Neck Brace

A neck brace keeps an injured neck stable, preventing damage to the spine, which could result in a patient being paralysed.

Stretcher

The Collins Dictionary defines a stretcher as a light frame made from two long poles with a cover of soft material stretched between them. It is used for carrying ill or injured people (e.g., into an ambulance).

First Aid Essentials

Alsco’s First Aid Kit Service

Though first aid contents vary based on where and how they are used, some can be found in almost every kind of kit.

• Bandages
• Stitches
• Gauze (also called dressing)
• Antiseptic pads
• Ointment
• Scissors or tweezers
• Splint: prevents further damage (e.g., to a broken limb by keeping it from moving around)

Injury

Harm or physical damage sustained through an accident. This term is mostly used to describe getting hurt internally.

Wound

A wound is an external injury.

Therefore, all wounds are injuries but not all injuries are wounds.

Fracture

A fracture refers to the breaking of a bone. This can be anything from a simple crack to severe breakage.

Normally, fractures are brought about by trauma from more pressure than what the bone can handle.

It may also be caused by disease in the bone.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain is the stretching of a muscle beyond its limit. It can also be a contraction of the muscle that’s too strong and causes damage to the fibres.

According to Harvard Health, there are different kinds of muscle strains based on their level of severity.

Bruise

A bruise is a common type of injury. When someone is bruised, the impact causes their capillaries to break and red blood cells to leak.

Because of this, discolouration forms around the injured area. It takes some time before the affected area returns to its normal state and a scar may remain.

Sprain

This is an injury to a ligament because of damage from twisting called a sprain.

A sprain may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. The affected area experiences pain and even swelling.

Swelling

Swelling is the enlarging of skin, an organ or part of the body.

It occurs when fluid builds up or there is inflammation in the affected area.

Whiplash

Also called neck-strain, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backwards or forward.

As a result, the muscles or tendons in the neck are injured.

Tendons are tissues which connect a muscle to a bone.

Stroke

A stroke is sometimes also called a “brain attack“.

It occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off.

Because the brain cells in this area are deprived of oxygen and glucose, they die. In many cases, this is caused by a clot in one of the brain’s arteries.

Dismembered

This is a serious injury whereby a part of the body has come off.

Don’t Stop Learning!

Safety is a continuous process. You should keep refreshing your knowledge and picking up new information that can help you and others along the way.

Now that you have a better understanding of first aid vocabulary in English, have a look at these first aid resources.

Photo: Rawpixel

Workplace First-Aid Shortfalls Fixed in 5 Guaranteed Ways

Could there be a looming workplace first aid crisis at your company?

According to findings by Worksafe New Zealand, work-related fatalities increased by 32% between September 2018 and 2019.

To compound the situation, the number of deaths more than doubled in just the first three months of 2019 from a similar period the previous year.

The sad reality is that 59 percent of work-related deaths are preventable if victims receive first aid before emergency services arrive.

What does this imply?

There’s a need for every workplace in New Zealand to:

• assess its level of safety, and
• re-evaluate its capacity to effectively administer first aid.

Until this happens, safety in your workplace may be an assumption rather than an actuality.

What do you need to do?

1. Familiarise Yourself With These Injuries That May Necessitate First Aid

Certain safety hazards are particularly common in the workplace.

Below is a summary of common sources of injury and the injuries one could sustain.

2. Guarantee Safety With a First Aid Kit Service

It’s easy to purchase a first aid kit.

The hard part? Maintaining one.

Now imagine this in a busy work setting with multiple kits spread across different floors.

Every time a person receives first aid, someone has to take note of all the supplies used and which ones need replacing and when.

And when that time comes, the person responsible for the kits must be sure to restock all the required contents.

Despite our best efforts, we simply can’t negate the possibility of human error.

Don’t take a gamble with anyone’s life; first aid is a matter of “when” rather than “if”.

Therefore, all workplace first aid kits must be well-maintained so they are always ready for use when the need arises.

To be sure that everything is in order, why not leave it to the experts?

Alsco’s Rented First Aid Kit Service

Take advantage of a first aid kit service, which will offer you benefits such as:

• Regular restocking of first aid kit supplies
• Keeping your workplace compliant with workplace safety regulations
• Hospital-grade supplies
• Service logs maintained to ensure they are up to date
• Being tailored to meet your unique business needs

A first aid service goes a long way in improving the efficiency of first aid officers in your workplace.

In turn, this can result in better care for all employees as well as clients who visit your premises.

3. Refresh Your Safety Training

How appetising is the idea of stale food? Not at all.

The same principle applies to health and safety training.

Are your training modules outdated? Could training materials be missing some vital information?

The only way to be sure is to evaluate your safety training, and, if need be, conduct it afresh.

In any case, if it isn’t part of the orientation process, chances are high that newer employees lack knowledge on how to correctly respond to safety issues.

It doesn’t hurt that training consists of activities which are great for team building.

Think of safety training as an investment rather than an expense. It could significantly reduce the amount of money owed in claims.

Ensure that every professional first aid officer has the necessary certification and that their credentials meet the most recent requirements laid out by the government.

One area you should particularly focus on is CPR training for all first aid officers.

What is CPR? The abbreviation stands for Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.

It refers to a technique that helps maintain the circulation of oxygenated blood to prevent brain damage until a person can receive specialised medical help.

CPR is required if a person suffers from a cardiac or breathing emergency.

According to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, several guidelines should be followed:

1. Rescuers must start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
2. Bystander CPR should be encouraged.
3. Compression-to-ventilation ratio should be 30:2 for all ages.
4. Rescuers perform chest compressions for all who are not breathing normally.
5. Those trained and willing to give rescue breaths are encouraged to do so.
6. Chest compressions should be provided at a rate of approximately 100 – 120/min.
7. Rescuers should aim to minimise interruptions to chest compressions.

You can find the full NZRC recommendations here.

Wondering how CPR should be performed? This video by the Red Cross demonstrates adult CPR.

Generally, it would be best to conduct a first aid training audit annually.

Each time you conduct your audit, you will come across valuable insights to be used in constantly improving your capacity to handle subsequent safety concerns.

4. Make Sure Everyone Understands DRSABCD

When we find ourselves in an emergency situation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of the right thing to do.

Thankfully, there’s a simple and effective way to ensure we handle the matter accordingly: Get everyone at work to master DRSABCD.

It’s an acronym that details the correct course of action in different scenarios as follows:

Danger

The first step is to check for anything in the vicinity that could compromise your safety or that of other people.

This includes:

• Distressed persons that could harm themselves or cause further injury to affected persons
• Electricity (e.g., naked wires)
• Traffic such as vehicles and bystanders/curious onlookers
• Chemicals, as they could be toxic or flammable
• Fumes which may cause respiratory problems if inhaled
• Fire and smoke
• Sharp objects, such as shards of glass
• Unstable structures

Response

Next, check to ascertain whether the victim is responsive or has lost consciousness.

Send

Send for help by calling 111.

Airway

Check if anything is obstructing the airway and look for signs of life.

Breathing

Check if the victim is breathing normally.

Compressions

If they’re not, perform CPR compressions.

Defibrillation

This refers to normalising the rhythm of the heart or restarting it. How to go about it is covered in detail below.

5. Check Whether All Workplace AEDs Are Functional

Screenshot from: Life Cover

Cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in New Zealand. Nearly 6,000 people die from cardiac-related diseases each year.

During cardiac arrest, the heart unexpectedly stops beating. In such instances, AEDs are used.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are portable electronic devices which analyse the heart’s rhythm.

They are designed to interpret electrocardiograms and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to get the heart beating normally again.

AEDs vary and are categorised into two types:

(a) Public-access AEDs are the kind you would normally find in

• schools
• airports
• government buildings
• public halls
• hospitals
• other public locations

They are intended for use by laypeople whose training is minimal.

(b) Professional-use AEDs, on the other hand, are used by first responders who have undergone more comprehensive AED training.

They include emergency medical service (EMS) providers and paramedics.

This type of AEDs can either be semi-automated or fully automated.

What’s the difference?

If a semi-automated defibrillator detects abnormal heart rhythm that requires a shock, the device prompts the user to press a button to deliver it.

Conversely, a fully automated defibrillator delivers a defibrillation shock based on a command by the inbuilt software without user intervention.

AEDs must constantly be checked to ascertain they are in usable condition at all times.

Presently, AEDs are not mandatory in workplaces by law in New Zealand. And considering how expensive they are to purchase, many companies would much rather forego them.

However, given their importance, it would be in everyone’s best interest to have them.

Safeguard the Well-Being of Everyone at Your Workplace With Alsco

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Supplies

Managing safety at work doesn’t have to be an arduous process.

Not when you rely on Alsco New Zealand’s reputable, dependable services.

Whether you need a hassle-free way of managing first aid kits or an affordable alternative to buying AEDs, Alsco has you covered.

Plus, did you know there are numerous advantages to renting instead of buying?

If you’d like to guarantee safety at your workplace, simply get a quick quote here.

4 Essential Areas to Keep Clean in Your Workplace

Misconceptions about workplace hygiene are common and often lead to misunderstandings.

To take control of your workplace hygiene, you need to understand the impacts of these myths.

Myth 1: Workplace hygiene isn’t important.

Many workers think the only focus in a business should be profit-making.

Cleanliness is important, too, as poor hygiene may make your associates sick.

In turn, this leads to poor business performance.

Myth 2: Any cleaning product will do the job.

Cleaning products are available in plenty. Yet, only high-quality cleaning products will have your workplace in the best shape.

Myth 3: Hiring professionals is an unnecessary expense.

Micro-managing workers is time-consuming. Despite your best efforts, the professional touch is still missing. Let the experts do the dirty work for you instead. Professional services actualise the joys of hygiene maintenance by offering value for your money.

These four tips will help you control hygiene in crucial workplace areas.

Washrooms

Pacific Deluxe Toilet Roll 2 Ply (48x400sheet)

Ensure you stock up on exceptional products which are critical to maintaining excellent hygiene practices.

Provide basic washroom consumables that every person requires for a comfortable washroom visit.

For one, toilet tissue is a product we can’t do without. Focus on selecting a cost-effective brand for your washrooms.

High-quality tissue supports hygienic practices and makes washroom visits comfortable by blocking the spread of dirt.

Another necessity is hand wash that leaves hands feeling pampered. It should be antibacterial to protect workers from common hand-to-mouth illnesses.

In addition, you can install proper hand drying devices to get the job done well.

Hand dryers are a popular choice as opposed to regular hand towels:

• They need less physical contact, which reduces the spread of bacteria.
• They are eco-friendly.
• They are cost-efficient.

Jet Dry Executive dries hands in 10-12 seconds.

Remember to introduce air fresheners, which serve to maintain a great-smelling washroom.

Automatic air fresheners are preferred due to their convenience and secrecy. By releasing one spritz every few minutes, the washroom will smell fresh at all times.

Your workplace benefits by selecting an excellent air freshener service provider:

• Experts handle installations and refills at your convenience.
• Battery replacements are free.

However, tackling bad odours is stressful when you can’t find its source.

This is why your workplace should hire deep cleaning services for the total elimination of germs. This process involves using powerful machines and chemicals to create a sanitary washroom environment.

The benefits of hiring experts include:

• Removing dirt from hard-to-reach areas, such as behind toilets.
• Eliminating bad odours to make your washroom smell fresh.
• Avoiding the need to spend money on supplies unnecessarily. Expert services are always fully-equipped and ready to work.
• Providing more time to focus on your business. The burden of managing cleaners is no longer of concern.
• Using 5-star services for your establishment. Professionals are experts at what they do and they have a system. There is a guarantee your washroom will be better than ever.

On top of that, place posters in washrooms to help foster hygienic habits among workers.
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Download FREE hand washing poster

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Download FREE Hygiene Poster: Don’t let them divide and conquer

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Here’s why washroom posters are so common:

• They are helpful in promoting appropriate washroom etiquette practices.
• It is easier than monitoring workers’ hygiene practices.
• This cultivates healthy habits that contribute to workplace wellness.

Furthermore, creating a pleasant washroom experience has an overall impact on your establishment. So, the above washroom products are important in contributing to a wholesome workplace.

Workspaces

Did you know that 1 in 10 employees admit to cleaning their desk once a month?

Plus, another 9% confess to not disinfecting their workspaces at all.

Hygiene management in the workplace may be difficult, but with proper guidance, it is a smooth process.

Begin by instructing cleaning staff to wipe down workspaces using excellent cleaning products.

Likewise, encourage workers to declutter their workspaces every week.

Together, these efforts help in controlling dust that settles on desks and computers.

On top of that, prohibit workers from eating and drinking in this area. Food and drinks contain small particles that seep into the furniture. As a result, they go bad and leave hanging smells in the workplace.

To promote hand hygiene, make sanitiser and antiseptic wipes available.

Hand Sanitisers eliminate microbes within seconds.

These are some key locations to place hand care products:

• On work desks
• At entrances and exits
• In the kitchen and breakroom
• Inside meeting rooms

Ensure these products are within sight and accessible to every worker.

Supply enough bins in the workspace to prevent littering. Overflowing bins are not a lovely sight and are often the source of bad smells and dust. Empty them often for a tidy appearance.

Surprisingly enough, workspaces significantly affect workers’ performances. A clean environment improves productivity, which translates to an increase in business revenue.

Kitchen

Today, it is common to use office kitchens for self-service purposes. This is where workers store their lunch, make coffee and prepare meals. Hence, this is an area of concern in the workplace.

Messy kitchens will force employees to east elsewhere.

To take charge of the situation, direct regular cleaning of the fridge and microwave.

A mixture of different foods and drinks creates a cocktail of smells. Instruct workers to throw out their old food, as this contributes to the risk of food poisoning.

For proper food storage, ensure there is enough ventilation to assist in battling the growth of mould.

Anit-Fatigue and Wet Area Mats offer greater underfoot comfort.

Besides this, label bins according to paper, plastic and glass to make disposal an easy task. This encourages recycling, which contributes to environmental conservation in the long-run.

Plus, purchase wet area mats to give your kitchen an orderly look and to avoid slip-and-fall accidents.

A first aid kit should be available and well-stocked if an accident should happen. Furthermore, there should be regular inspection of the kit to replace expired or damaged items.

What’s more, support the creation of a cleaning plan for staff to assist in maintaining tidiness.

These tips for creating a good cleaning plan are quite helpful.

Reception

This is the first point of contact for people, so it should create a lasting impression. People want to walk into a clean and safe environment.

Alsco’s Dust Control Mats absorb up to 80% of dirt and dust.

First, install good lighting fixtures and wipe them often to avoid gathering dust.

In addition, placing mats at the main entrance is an asset:

• They reduce slip and fall accidents, as they provide a good grip for shoes.
• They save cleaning costs, as they absorb dust particles.
• They create a unique image for your company. Maintain these mats for a first-class look and a great first impression.

Don’t forget to spruce up the smell in the reception by requesting a vase of fresh flowers every once in a while. These provide a consistent pleasant smell that uplifts moods.

“Any job well done that has been carried out by a person who is fully dedicated is always a source of inspiration.” — Carlos Ghosn

It’s time to set your worries aside.

Are you ready to take control of your workplace hygiene? Contact the experts for nothing but 5-star services and products to improve your workplace environment.

Alsco’s cleaning services leave your workplace gleaming and your workers’ smiles beaming.

Photo: Igor Starkov

4 Unexpected Reasons Why Workplace Hand Hygiene Matters

When you think of workplace hand hygiene, constant hand washing comes to mind. But it’s much more than that. Hand care has the potential to save your workplace from a disaster.

Workplace hand hygiene importance has increased over the last few years. This is evident in all the hand hygiene products and posters made available in offices today.

It’s no secret that our hands come into contact with numerous items during the workday from our daily commute, down to the washroom.

Proper hand hygiene observation makes us healthier because hand washing kills a significant number of germs. Hence, it reduces your risk of catching even the common cold.

Is hand hygiene important in your workplace? These interesting reasons will convince you to upgrade your workplace hand hygiene.

Reduces the Spread of Illnesses

Using hand hygiene products, such as soap and sanitiser, protects us from illnesses. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands before you eat and even after using the washroom.

Placing emphasis on hand hygiene importance has great positive effects on your business. Fewer workers fall sick, and this makes your business thrive in unimaginable ways.

Contracting an illness causes fatigue. Oftentimes, workers need to take sick days to recuperate. This means they are absent from work for several days.

Further, this has negative effects on business performance. Did you know that absenteeism at work cost New Zealand $4.5 billion in 2014? Imagine what decreased absenteeism could do to your business alone.

Healthy employees are more productive. They have more energy and morale to get through the workday. They are more attentive at work and can attend to clients well.

Besides, in the workplace, there are different kinds of bacteria. In a common washroom, there are 77,000 distinct types of bacteria and viruses. These are known to cause diseases and infections. These include influenza, E-coli and hepatitis, eye infections and intestinal problems.

Germs are not only found in washrooms but in the workspace, too. This means there are bacteria found on desks, telephones and printing machines.

Image from: Printerland

So, take note to provide the appropriate products in the workspace as well as in washrooms. This helps in emphasising hand hygiene importance.

Making these products available is a form of non-verbal communication to workers. It prompts workers to clean their hands well.

Also, your employees get the message that you care about their health. In turn, they feel valued by their employers and are willing to take part in the hand hygiene processes.

Good Hand Hygiene Saves Workplace Resources

Hand washing is the first line of defence against infections. Learn more

Investing time and effort into your workers’ health is a great investment. This translates to return on investment (ROI) because productive employees are an asset.

Losing time and money due to absenteeism is a common problem that few workplaces can address. Hiring external help in cases of severe illnesses creates an avoidable extra cost. Whereas, healthy workers complete tasks on time.

When workers are absent from work, this causes disruption. Most workplaces are fast-paced environments. The need to beat deadlines and complete projects is imminent.

So, investing in good products and in-house training sessions saves you the trouble. Get managers or volunteers to educate your workers on proper hand hygiene methods.

It’s in your best interest to make these sessions as interactive as possible. Show videos and send out internal memos on hand hygiene importance. This makes the information stick.

‘’We believe that engaged people deliver exceptional results. Wellbeing for us is about what’s going to engage people – what’s important to them? If they’re going to contribute to Z they need to be in a place of strength to do that.’’ — Julian Hughes, GM Health & Safety, Z Energy

Encourage workers to maintain hand hygiene by making it fun and memorable at no extra cost.

Roll out a slogan-making competition to really get your employees engaged in this noble cause. Workers can come up with hand-hygiene slogans and the best can become the slogan of the week.

Using the slogan among themselves reminds them of hand hygiene importance. This slogan can be a simple as ‘’clean hands are safe hands.’’

Essential in Building Resistance and Immunity

Throughout the workday, we come into contact with many items. This includes our faces, bodies and food. We are bound to get sick when we don’t take care of ourselves.

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Emphasising hand hygiene importance is significant in boosting immunity.

So, the more you wash your hands, the less likely you are to catch a disease.

You will end up spending less money on antibiotics used to treat illnesses.  Reducing the overuse of antibiotics saves workers money.

Good hand care causes the body to build resistance. This makes employees healthier, not only as individuals but also in their families. They are less likely to spread bacteria contracted from the workplace to others.

This creates happy relationships in the workplace and healthy families. When workers are healthy, they are happier.

“The groundwork of all happiness is health.” — Leigh Hunt.

Additionally, when clients relate with happy workers, they feel more at home. This increases their loyalty to your business, making them stick around even longer.

Healthier employees are keen on proper engagement with clients. This creates impressionable results.

Promotes Good Etiquette Practices

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Proper hand hygiene education creates good etiquette practices in the workplace. Workers will comprehend that the state of their hygiene can affect others. Creating hand hygiene awareness at work extends to their homes. This leads to the creation of a healthier society in general.

Thus, hand hygiene importance is best enforced through the creation of habit. Various mechanisms make this a smooth-sailing process.

For starters, the use of posters in the workspace and washrooms comes in handy. These remind workers of the importance of hand hygiene, as well as educate them on proper hand hygiene techniques, such as how to rub in hand sanitiser well.

These posters state interesting facts, too. They remind us where our hands have been and why washing them is necessary. They are key in repeating the hand hygiene practices taught in training sessions.
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Download FREE hand washing poster

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Are you ready to change the face of your workplace hand hygiene?  It’s time to clean up your act and take the first step. Finding an expert is easy, especially one with good recommendations and price quotes.

“…they are always willing to go the extra mile to help us out when we get stuck.” — Lyndsey Morrison-Barnes, Resort Manager, Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

Photo: Mike Mozart