The importance of hygienic work practices
Regardless of the industry you work in, hygienic work practices have been at the forefront of business’ priorities more than ever since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ensuring a safe workplace means remaining accountable and responsible for implementing regular and proper hygiene practices to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria.
However, implementing a workplace hygiene policy and ensuring it is maintained can be an overwhelming task for businesses. Below, we break down why hygienic work practices are important, common workplace hygiene safety risks, and how we can help you maintain them.
Why are hygienic work practices important?
Good personal hygiene is important in every aspect of your life, not just at work. It is one of the best and easiest ways you can protect yourself and others from catching COVID-19, the flu, and other infectious diseases and germs.
In the workplace, people are generally working near others and as such, germs and infections can spread rapidly. Ensuring hygienic practices are maintained can reduce the spread.
A study undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2022 found that 22 per cent (more than one in five) businesses had staff take sick leave due to COVID-19, whether this be due to being sick or quarantine requirements.
An Absence Management Survey undertaken in 2016 by Direct Health Solutions found that on average, employees took nine days of sick leave and cost businesses approximately $3,600 per annum.
Good workplace hygiene practices may mean that employees take less time off under sick leave, reducing the cost burden to businesses.
Common workplace hygiene risks
Depending on the industry your business operates in will determine the unique hygiene risks they face.
For example, a restaurant would have to adhere to food standards and safety as one part of managing their hygiene risks. An office environment, however, would not have to take this into account.
That being said, there are common hygiene risks that apply to most workplaces. Ways to mitigate these risks include:
- Cleanliness of bathroom facilities
- Access to soap, wipes, sanitisers, and tissues
- Regular workplace cleaning, particularly in shared kitchen spaces
- Professional sanitary and medical waste disposal
- Supply and maintenance of first aid kits
Providing hygienic workplace solutions
We understand that ensuring your business implements and maintains hygienic workplace practices can be a full-time job. Our team of professionals have the skills and knowledge to provide a comprehensive service, covering all your workplace hygiene needs.
We will make sure the hygiene solutions we provide for your business are tailored to meet all your personnel and site needs.
Our range of hygiene workplace solutions include:
Regardless of whether you have 10 staff or 1,000 we can help!
Need help to ensure your workplace ticks all the proper hygienic boxes? We’ve got you covered.
