Summer infections - smart ways to stay safe

THE SUMMER season brings longer days and more opportunity to spend time outdoors, but It also invites various germs and bugs to multiply. The warmer weather provides the ideal conditions for infectious diseases to spread more readily, with the potential to make people very ill.

With many offices now back to full capacity and employees spending more time in communal spaces, the risk of summer infections in the workplace increases. Sickness bugs, Chicken Pox, Measles and Meningitis all rise in the summer, but Covid-19 can also spike.

Every summer since 2020, Covid rates have risen in July and August, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a peak in Covid-19 cases. Sometimes known as “the summertime surge”, it’s possible that Covid has the opportunity to spread because more people are gathering to make the most of the warmer weather. 

In the UK last year, many football fans congregated in pub gardens and bars to watch the Euro 2024 football tournament and cases of Covid rose sharply around 17 June, which was just after England’s first game. Cases continued to increase again in July as England competed in the championship.

With many infectious diseases rife during the summer season, it is important for employers to take preventative steps to stop the occurrence and spread of them. But the good news is that, with the right protocols, these risks can be effectively managed, resulting in less sickness and absenteeism.

Here are some practical ways that organisations can help to look after their staff and defend against summer illnesses.

Prioritise hygiene

In the workplace, frequent and thorough handwashing and drying, particularly after entering or leaving a building, when mixing with different people or when touching surfaces that could be contaminated with viruses, is still one of the best ways to combat infection.

Good hand hygiene is essential in reducing the spread of germs and viruses, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) citing that washing hands with soap and water can reduce deaths from diarrhoeal disease by up to 50 per cent. 

Hand hygiene should never be overlooked and employers should strive to make the process as easy as possible for employees.

Handwashing and sanitising products should be readily available in staff washrooms, but they can also be placed in prominent high-traffic areas too. All dispensers for soap and paper should be quick and easy to operate to encourage people to use them. It’s also vital that dispensers are kept well-stocked at all times and are easy to refill to avoid run-outs.

Soap dispensers should be high capacity and deliver a generous shot to encourage single, efficient use. They should ideally be non-drip to help keep spaces clean and each new soap cartridge should include a new nozzle to minimise the likelihood of bacteria harbouring.

Did you know that you almost completely lose the benefits of hand washing if you do not dry your hands after washing? Paper towel dispensers should therefore provide a long lasting supply of towels to encourage employees to dry their hands thoroughly. Since the transmission of bacteria is much faster via wet hands, it is important for people to be able to dry their hands properly. 

The type of paper towel dispenser you provide for people is important. For instance, dispensers for folded towels will run out more quickly, so maintenance staff may be tempted to overfill dispensers with more than the recommended towels which can make it difficult for people to pull out a single towel from the bottom. C-fold towels can frequently dispense in clumps, meaning users can often take multiple towels to dry their hands which can be wasteful option.

A mechanical hands-free roll towel dispenser could be a better alternative. As well as optimising hygiene because the user does not need to touch the unit, these dispensers tend to offer a higher paper capacity than folded towels. 

Create a healthy environment

Maintaining a clean and healthy office environment that benefits both employees and clientsis essential. A dirty or cluttered office can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses a that can lead to sickness. 

One of the biggest reasons why office cleaning is vital is how it impacts on employee health, reducing the chances of infection and ensuring people remain healthy and productive.

Regularly clean employee workstations, keyboards and handsets, as well as other common touchpoints like door handles and light switches —they are surprising sources of germs.

Ensure there is adequate ventilation to remove stale air and circulate fresh air, helping to dilute any pollutants. Maintaining a comfortable and healthy office temperature and humidity levels can also improve air quality.  Clean and maintain air conditioning systems and other equipment to prevent dust and pollutant buildup. 

Educate employees on how to avoid illness

Launch a summer health awareness campaign to inform employees how to care for themselves. Organise educational sessions, share summer wellness tips and display engaging content in common areas - a little awareness can protect staff from infection and prevent illness. 

Discourage presenteeism

Develop a culture where employees feel supported if they are sick. Presenteeism – showing up for work when sick – can spread infection and decrease performance. Offer summer health checks to monitor people for signs of dehydration, illness, or infection. Virtual sessions can be useful in diagnosing health issues.

Closing thoughts

Summer infections affect productivity and morale and can result in absenteeism. Businesses that take employee health and safety seriously and implement measures to protect them will build healthier, more energised and resilient employees. Be aware of the importance of hygiene and self-care this summer and encourage your people to do the same.

Paul Mulready is marketing manager of Northwood Hygiene Products

For more information, visit www.northwood.co.uk

TEL: 01484 854434