Healthy after the Holidays

holidaysTips on keeping cold and flu at bay this season

This time of year provides joyous occasions to gather and celebrate the end of the season. However, is your facility ready for the New Year? The cold and flu season will be in full force when your team returns from the holidays. Make sure your facility is ready for the challenge with these tips below.

New Slate:

While your employees are away over the holiday break, this is an ideal time to implement a deep cleaning program for your facility. Target communal spaces like bathrooms and kitchens for a thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. Be sure to use EPA-registered cleaning solutions that have been proven effective against common pathogens. Also consider deep cleaning for carpets, which can often function as a trap for allergens. Vacuuming with a HEPA filter can help eliminate common irritants.

Steady Course:

A sparkling clean facility is no use without active efforts to maintain a healthy environment. To catch dirt and contaminants from entering the building, installs floor mats at entrances and high-traffic areas. Look for mats made with material recommended by the U.S. Green Building Council, as high-performing matting can capture as much as 85 percent to 95 percent of contaminants entering the building. Be sure to maintain and monitor other vulnerable spots such as drains and air filters. If blocked and flooded, drains can introduce serious contamination issues. Stale air also circulates when air filters are blocked, which can increase cold and flu contractions.

Be Prepared:

The best defense against contagious ailments is a solid offense. Be sure to encourage your team members to protect themselves. As a preventative measure, consider offering flu shots on site for easy convenience. Also, be sure to stock your facility fully with hand cleaners and sanitizers. For full effect, sanitizer dispensers can be placed around hot zones such as entrances, elevators and waiting areas, where shared surfaces are most common.