Tips to Stay Safe from the Flu at the Workplace

Influenza, or the flu, affects many Canadians each year. A significant number of those affected end up in the hospital and even pass away from flu-related illnesses. Thus, we should all be very careful to not contract the flu virus.

A common area where you can get the flu is the workplace. Yet, the chances of getting sick at work can be lowered by following proper prevention measures. Here are key tips to prevent the flu for both employers and employees.

Cold and flu prevention tips for employers

• Employers should get an annual flu vaccination and encourage workers to do the same. To minimize the number of sick days employees take, onsite seasonal flu vaccination should be provided to employees at a low or no cost.
• A professional company, such as PuroClean, should be hired to sanitize the workplace. Our offices provide flu disinfection to properties, which helps prevent virus and other pathogen-based contamination in nearby areas.
• Employers should instruct workers on proper handwashing, cough etiquette, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
• There should be enough tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes in the offices.
• Managers should also advise workers to not use one another’s work tools, desks, phones or computers.
• During the flu season, there should be fewer group meetings and more remote communication. If meetings are necessary, the meeting areas should be properly aired. Also, workers should stay at least three metres away from one another. In addition, the number of people that visit the workplace should be limited.

Cold and flu prevention tips for employees

• Employees should get vaccinated for influenza each year and encourage coworkers and family to get vaccinated as well.
• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, employees should learn what measures will be taken. For example, checking if flu vaccinations are offered on-site.
• Physical contact, such as shaking hands, with people who are sick should be avoided. It’s good practice to wash or sanitize the hands after physical contact with others.
• Those who wear gloves should wash their hands after removing them.
• During flu season, it’s important to touch the nose, mouth, and eyes as little as possible.
• Those who start feeling sick while at work should go home immediately. Of course, nobody should go to work while having the flue, either.
• It’s important to exercise cough etiquette — covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. The upper sleeve can be used if tissues are not available.
• Employees should clean and disinfect their equipment regularly. Also, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be cleaned or replaced often.
• Employees should keep at least a two metres distance from coworkers and customers, especially during the flu season. They should also regularly clean the surfaces and objects they frequently touch.

Call PuroClean to sanitize any property and stop the spread of influenza. We provide flu sanitization services quickly and professionally, cleaning surface areas in homes or businesses to protect those living or working in the property from this dangerous virus.