You read that correctly. According to a study lead by Dr. Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona, the area of your desk that you rest your hands on is contaminated with 10,000,000 bacterium. If you’re reading this at your desk, you’re currently coming in contact with 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. The more time spent in these contaminated areas, the more chances of being exposed to possible viruses that can be costly to your health and your office as a whole. With a reported three million American employees going to work while ill each week, it’s important to ensure that your facility is being properly cleaned and disinfected to slow the spread of illnesses. Here are the hottest germ hideouts currently in your commercial building.
Top Four Germ Hotspots in Your Commercial Building:
Control the spread of bacteria and keep your employees healthy by focusing on these four oft-neglected areas.
- Break room sink faucets
- Refrigerator door
- Microwave door handles
- Keyboards
What was once an area of respite from the expectant stares of computer screens and email notifications, the break room may not be as much of a safe haven as we once thought. A study conducted by the University of Arizona reveals the break room to be the most contaminated area in the office, housing enough bacteria to potentially lead to employee illness. Since almost all of the areas needed to heat up last night’s leftovers are prime disease transmitters, it’s important to keep faucets, fridge and microwave door handles properly disinfected. Other common places of contact, such as coffee pot handles, water fountain and vending machine buttons, should also be kept in mind and tended to appropriately as you clean and sanitize.
As mentioned above, the workspace is teeming with potentially harmful microbes. Since the employees in your commercial building are in contact with computer keyboards throughout the day it’s especially important to keep this device clean. Use a disinfectant wipe, making sure that any excess moisture is squeezed out, and clean these surfaces regularly. Coming in contact with bacteria is unavoidable but by making a habit of regularly cleaning your keyboard and workspace, you can keep illnesses at bay. Remember to practice proper hygiene etiquette by sneezing and coughing into your arm and washing your hands frequently throughout the day. Make sure to wash with soap under running water for 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t easy to get to, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
As flu season approaches, it’s important to keep these areas in mind given how quickly viruses can travel. Since cold and flu viruses can survive up to three days on surfaces that are improperly cleaned, a professional cleaning crew should be a trusted line of defense against viruses that may contaminate your commercial building.
This article was brought to you by Calico Building Services. At Calico, we offer commercial janitorial, maintenance, and construction services to an array of properties that include office buildings and financial facilities, retail and hospitality centers, multi-unit properties, and educational and religious institutions. We will strive ensure the safety and health of your commercial building and employees. Don’t take the chance when it comes to office cleanliness and keep your employees healthy by requesting a proposal from Calico today.
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About Calico Building Services
Calico Building Services, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 1986 by husband and wife, Ron and Kathy Strand. By developing a reputation for quality workmanship and superior customer service, the company has grown organically to become a leading provider of building, facility and property services in the Western and Central U.S. with reach and capabilities nationwide. Today, the company employs more than 650 team members and works with hundreds of strategic partners throughout the U.S.
Our core service areas delivered through the company’s three divisions include janitorial, repairs and maintenance as well as construction. With our relentless customer-centric commitment to quality and service, we serve: national retailers, banks, building owners, universities, medical facilities, government municipalities and facilities managers. Our numerous customers range from regional success stories to Fortune 500 companies.
We are proud to offer one of the most comprehensive and unique portfolio of services in the industry. From day one, personalization and offering mission-critical solutions to our valued customers has been our top priority. Depending on our customers’ needs and requirements, we can deliver our services as a self-performing company or we can deploy a network of Calico certified vendors and suppliers through effective project management. Whether they are fellow team members or certified vendors, we only hire the best and most qualified service personnel and technicians. Each of our divisions are managed and staffed by highly trained and experienced professionals in their respective fields.
There are many reasons why so many companies nationwide rely on Calico Building Services, Inc. for all their building, facility and property services. At the core, and the key differentiator, are our people and their constant commitment to excellence and unparalleled service.
