As cold and flu season ramps up, many facility managers turn their attentions to keeping the people who occupy their buildings healthy. Preventing the spread of influenza and the common cold in office buildings and schools can help prevent absences and, for businesses, the resulting losses in productivity.
Productivity losses linked to absenteeism cost employers $225.8 billion annually in the U.S., or $1,011 per employee, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the common cold is the main reason that adults miss work.
When people are working in close quarters, what can be done to prevent the spread of these illnesses?
Influenza viruses in particular can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, therefore, it is essential to disinfect frequently touched surfaces to prevent germ transmission. One option facility managers can turn to is commercial cleaning products and disinfecting wipes that are Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered to kill illness-causing germs.
The infographic below from Clorox provides helpful information on how to prevent the spread of illnesses in the workplace by keeping surface areas disinfected.
