WHO issues guidelines for hygienic workplaces
As the COVID-19 virus spreads, so does the need for a cleaner office.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released guidelines on how to maintain a clean workplace in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“When someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales they release droplets of infected fluid,” the guidelines state.
“Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects - such as desks, tables or telephones.
“People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects – and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
“If they are standing within one metre of a person with COVID-19 they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or exhaled by them.”
How workplaces can help to contain spread of the virus
WHO recommends workplaces are kept clean and hygienic by:
- Regularly wiping down desks, tables, keyboards, phones and other surfaces that are regularly touched, using a disinfectant.
- Promoting good hand hygiene by making sanitisers available in the workplace and displaying posters promoting regular hand-washing
- Ensuring tissues are available at your workplaces, for those who develop a cough or runny nose, and closed bins for hygienic disposal
What to do if an employee becomes ill
According to the World Health Organisation, employees will be able to take this time off as sick leave.
For more information, go to The Department of Health or Safe Work Australia.
- Employees who have returned from an area where coronavirus is spreading should monitor symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.
- If someone becomes sick at work, isolate them in a room and contact local health authorities.
Date Published:
11 March 2020