Five simple ways to improve hand hygiene in your workplace
Every year on 15 October, #GlobalHandwashingDay raises awareness of the importance of handwashing as an effective and affordable way to help prevent the spread of illness.
It’s a reminder that something as simple as washing our hands properly can make a real difference to our health and wellbeing.
Everyone can be a handwashing hero. Anyone who wants to see the benefits of good hand hygiene in their community can lead efforts in their workplaces, schools, and communities to champion clean hands for all. Clean hands remain a fundamental defence against the spread of diseases including gastrointestinal infections, such as salmonellosis, and respiratory infections, such as influenza, colds and coronavirus.
And while good hand hygiene starts with individual habits, by providing reliable soap dispensers to ensuring hand-drying facilities are readily available, the right washroom provisions can help everyone become a handwashing hero.
Why does Global Handwashing Day matter?
Global Handwashing Day highlights the importance of making handwashing accessible to everyone and encouraging it as an everyday habit.
In workplaces, schools and other shared environments, hands come into contact with numerous surfaces throughout the day. Without proper handwashing, germs can transfer between people and surfaces, increasing the risk of illness.
Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water helps remove dirt, bacteria and viruses. Making handwashing facilities accessible, clean and well-stocked is therefore an important part of maintaining a healthy environment.
Global Handwashing Day is the perfect opportunity to review your current facilities and consider whether you’re doing enough to encourage good hand hygiene.
Five ways to become a handwashing hero
1. Make handwashing easy
Ensure sinks, taps and soap dispensers are accessible, working properly and conveniently located. When facilities are easy to use, people are more likely to make handwashing part of their everyday routine.
2. Keep soap dispensers stocked
Water alone isn’t enough. Soap plays an important role in removing dirt and germs, so check dispensers regularly and make sure supplies are replenished before they run out.
3. Encourage proper handwashing
A quick rinse won’t always do the job. Encourage people to wash their hands with soap and water for around 20 seconds, covering their palms, the backs of their hands, between their fingers, thumbs and fingertips.
Clear, well-placed reminders can help reinforce these habits.
4. Don’t forget to dry hands properly
Hand drying is an essential part of the process. Provide suitable facilities, whether that’s paper towels, hand dryers or linen roller towel systems, to help people dry their hands effectively.
5. Keep washrooms clean and maintained
Regular inspections help ensure washrooms remain clean, dispensers work correctly and essential supplies are always available. A proactive approach can help prevent minor issues from affecting hygiene standards.
Make Global Handwashing Day the start of better habits
Global Handwashing Day is more than a date in the calendar. It’s an opportunity to remind employees, pupils, visitors and customers that good hand hygiene is everyone’s responsibility.
Use 15 October to share handwashing reminders, check your washroom facilities and make sure your hygiene provisions support the people who rely on them every day.
Small improvements can help build better habits that last well beyond Global Handwashing Day.
How South West Hygiene can help
At South West Hygiene, we understand that effective hand hygiene depends on more than good intentions. The right facilities and a reliable supply of essential products help make handwashing easier and more convenient.
We provide a range of hand hygiene solutions for businesses and organisations, including soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, hand dryers and linen roller towel systems.
Want to make your workplace a more hygienic place?
Contact South West Hygiene on 0800 0184 060 or email customercare@southwesthygiene.co.uk to discuss your washroom and hand hygiene requirements.
This #GlobalHandwashingDay, let’s all do our bit to become handwashing heroes.
