It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to spread illness. Flu season is among us along with all of the respiratory and sinus infections that come with the cold weather every year. Sometimes it seems like no matter what you do, you will still get sick, putting a damper on your holiday festivities. Although it is usually not mentioned in work safety awareness videos and new employee packets, one of the biggest dangers of the work place is the spread of germs and illness. Unless you’re working with kids or directly with the public, it isn’t likely that you were warned about spreading sickness to your co-workers. If your workplace is not up-to-par on health codes, you may be at serious risk for illness.
Although it isn’t your typical “work injury,” there are an assortment of ways for you to contract an illness that could keep you from work and a steady income if you are not careful. Here are a few places to avoid and keep clean at all times at the office.
Office Break Room, Refrigerator
Most of the time, the office refrigerator is your safe place. It is where you go when you just can’t stand to look at the screen for one more minute, or maybe it’s 4 o’clock and the only way you’ll make it through the day is to make another pot of coffee. Getting that last snack at the end of the day may seem harmless, but if your co-workers do not take care of their stored food, you may be in trouble. Any exposed food or spilled condiments attract germs fast, which creates bacteria. The cold temperature keeps germs alive, giving them time to harbor and sneak into your lunch bag or afternoon snack. The best way to avoid this is to clean out the fridge of all lunches and leftovers once a week. If it is just too dreadful for one person to get the job done, suggest one person a week to clean out the fridge of any spills. Although manual labor in an office can be frustrating, it is better to keep a clean environment by doing a chore that takes 5 minutes than to spread sickness through the office.
Telephones
An employee’s phone is one of the main places for germs to hibernate and spread. Not only does it directly connect to your mouth and face, but when talking you are bound to leave just the slightest bit of spit or debris. The best way to avoid this is to make sure your office phone is regularly wiped down by anyone at the office. If you have your own phone, this problem can be easily managed in two ways: continue to clean your phone regularly and stick to using only your phone at all costs. If someone is on the phone for you, ask them to transfer it to your line instead of using someone else’s.
Computer Keyboards
Believe it or not, computers have been found to harbor some of the biggest germ infestations in the entire office area. The germs from your hands are pushed onto the keys which smash the germs in between the keys and spread over the mouse. They are able to stay alive for several days by bonding with other germs to stay alive before latching onto their next host. Keyboard cleaners have been created to combat those pesky germs that like to find homes in your desk space.
Having the unfortunate experience of contracting the flu from your workplace may mean you will have to miss a few days to recover. If you believe that your illness could have been prevented by higher health standards in place at your office, you should contact Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas to discuss the office’s possible negligence. Our attorneys provide free consultations for your first visit.
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Austin, TX 78738
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512-477-3335
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