Posted Date: 12th July 2023
Keeping your employees healthy from disease and infection Is paramount. Read on to see the consequences of not maintaining cleanliness within your premises and a few tips on how to fight against germs.
In 2022 the HSE reported 36.8 million working days were lost due to work-related illnesses and workplace injuries. A staggering £18.8 billion in estimated costs were lost due to injuries and ill health from current working conditions (2019/20).
Here at SafeWise, we recognise a legal obligation to undertake risk assessments of all areas within premises that pose a risk of disease and infection to your employees, contractors and visitors.
As of late the HSE reported, a local plastics manufacturing company, were fined in 2020 after putting its workers at risk, exposing them to serious bacteria. Legionnaires. Which, when inhaled from germs within infected water can cause a severe form of pneumonia. 5 workers were infected in total with one employee placed in intensive care on a ventilator. This is why it is so important to have procedures and Risk Assessments in place to ensure your employees are working in a clean environment.
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The main diseases which you should be aware of and could be encountered in the workplace environment include:
Legionellosis transmittable by breathing in contaminated water droplets, with flu-like symptoms, and severity varies with some cases ending up with pneumonia.
Leptospirosis is carried by animals and rodents’ urine the bacteria is passed onto the environment and can contaminate soil, water or food. Symptoms vary from flu-like to jaundice and rashes. Seek medical attention if you see the signs. If not treated can lead to organ failure.
Tetanus causes painful muscle contractions. This disease is contracted when bacteria enter via breaks in the skin.
Covid-19 remember this? Contracted through water droplets and contaminated surface areas.
SafeWise understands the importance of keeping an environment clean and safe. The welfare of your employees is paramount. It’s worth noting the following regulations under the Health and Safety Act 1974 for your company when considering disease and infection.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)
See below our tips on how to germ bust and keep your working environment a happy and healthy place to work
Germ Busters!
Tips and tricks for a safe, healthy workplace
- 2020 when we all learnt how to wash our hands? Keep doing that! – Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to yourself if you must! It prevents bacteria from spreading.
- Cover broken skin with a waterproof dressing.
- Keep hot food hot and cold food cold, it can spread pathogens.
- Wash all utensils correctly and with warm soapy water.
- Regularly washing the floor, bathroom and worktops/desks with hot water and detergent.
- Not sharing personal hygiene items such as towels or shaving equipment.