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Ensuring Safety and Hygiene in the Field: What Every Employer Should Know

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There are over 3,200 germs from 150 different species on the average person’s hands. Gross, right? Luckily, not all of those germs are necessarily harmful. But some of them can make you sick.

That’s why it’s imperative that you think about hygiene and safety no matter where you’re working from. This can be more difficult in some fields. For example, construction workers on the side of the road. However, there are solutions available if you look for them.

Keep reading to learn more about what you should consider in order to keep your employees and customers healthy and safe.

Proper Hand Washing Techniques

Handwashing is one of the best ways to deal with germs. No matter where you’re working, you need to ensure that your employees have access to handwashing stations and know how to wash their hands. On average, people only wash their hands for six seconds. While that may help get rid of some of the germs, it’s not fully effective.

Make sure your employees are educated on proper handwashing techniques. You can even post signs nearby reminding them, and oftentimes those signs are actually required.

Sanitising Surfaces

Don’t go into the field without the proper cleaning tools. You will need to sanitise various surfaces from time to time. There are different tools you can use for this. Check out three of the most common.

Disinfectants

Disinfectants are chemicals that kill bacteria and other microorganisms. The most common disinfectants are bleach, alcohol, and quaternary ammonium compounds. Train your employees on how to use disinfectants properly and make sure they know how to handle any abrasive chemicals.

Heat

Heat can be used to kill bacteria and other microorganisms by causing them to denature or change shape. This makes it difficult for them to function properly and eventually kills them. The most common way to apply heat is through boiling water or steam.

According to the CDC, moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure is the most effective method of sterilisation.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

UV light is a newer method of sanitisation. Plus, it’s fascinating how this technique works and if used properly it can kill up to 99.9 percent of germs.

UV light kills bacteria and other microorganisms by damaging their DNA. This makes it difficult for them to reproduce, which eventually leads to their death. UV light can be found in sunlight, but you can also purchase portable UV lamps specifically for sanitising surfaces

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When you’re exposed to dangerous situations, PPE can help keep you safe. Examples of PPE include:

  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Respiratory protection
  • Clothing
  • Etc. 

It’s important to have the right type of PPE available for your employees. Beyond that, you also need to train your employees on the proper usage of PPE. For example, if you’re wearing gloves while cooking, you should change your gloves in between handling raw meat and veggies.

Keep First Aid on Hand and Know When to Seek Medical Attention

Sometimes while working in the field, a first aid kit is enough when an employee gets injured. However, there are other times when you need to make sure that your employee gets medical attention.

Make sure you educate yourself on what situations call for more than a couple of band aids and encourage your employees to ask for help when they need it.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Everyone has focused more on germs and sickness in recent years and for obvious reasons. As an employer, you have a responsibility to your workers and the customers you serve. Make sure you take the time to learn about hygiene and safety before going out into the field.