A Clean Start: Why Proper Handwashing Is a Resolution You Can't Overlook

What is your New Year’s resolution? While improving hand hygiene may not be a typical goal, it is an important one that is often overlooked. A simple action like handwashing can have a significant impact on preventing the spread of illness, especially in the workplace. In this blog, we will explore why handwashing matters and how it affects businesses.

Why Handwashing is important

Washing your hands is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from illness. The significance of proper hand hygiene became especially apparent in 2020, as the world confronted the rapid spread of COVID-19. What began as a localized outbreak soon escalated into a global pandemic, compelling Manitoba to implement strict measures to safeguard public health and ease the burden on its healthcare system. Although the most critical phases of the pandemic have passed, the importance of basic practices like handwashing remains essential in preventing the spread of illness.

A survey conducted by the Environics Institute during the pandemic’s aftermath revealed that 51% of participants reported they would still attend work despite being sick (Future Skills Centre, 2021). This highlights a persistent workplace challenge known as presenteeism, where employees come to work while unwell. Encouraging proper hand hygiene, combined with clear workplace policies for managing sick employees, can help mitigate the risk of transmission. These measures not only promote employee well-being but also contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.

For businesses in industries such as food service, healthcare, and manufacturing, the importance of handwashing extends even further. Employees in these sectors adhere to strict hygiene protocols to prevent contamination and ensure product safety. Proper handwashing practices play a critical role in protecting consumers while also preserving the integrity and reputation of the business.

How To Promote Better Hand Hygiene

Encouraging proper hand hygiene is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy and productive workplace. By fostering habits that minimize the spread of germs, businesses can protect their employees and customers alike. Research highlights the importance of this effort: a study swabbing 4,800 surfaces found surprising contamination levels on everyday items like microwave door handles (48%), computer keyboards (27%), and refrigerator door handles (26%). These findings emphasize the need for consistent handwashing practices, particularly in shared spaces (Arbogast et al., 2016).

To support better hygiene, businesses can incorporate handwashing education into health and safety training programs, reinforcing its importance through regular reminders on bulletin boards, digital displays, or internal communication platforms. Clear, strategically placed signage in washroom facilities can provide employees with step-by-step techniques for effective hand washing. Additionally, maintaining clean, well-stocked washrooms ensures that employees have access to the necessary tools, such as soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer. These practical steps contribute to a workplace culture that values health and safety.

How Quintex Supports Proper Handwashing

Managing washroom facility services in high-traffic areas can be complex, but partnering with a service provider can help ensure that stock levels are properly maintained, reducing the administrative burden on businesses.

Quintex provides three different soap formulas, each designed to tackle various levels of soiling. These formulas are effective at removing dirt and germs while being mindful of the skin's natural barrier. Research indicates that poorly formulated soaps can also contribute to microbial contamination and skin irritation, which may compromise hand hygiene (Arbogast et al., 2016). While hand sanitizers are commonly used, their overuse can reduce their effectiveness and contribute to skin issues, such as dryness and cracking, which may create an environment for bacteria to thrive.

Soap dispensers also play a role in reducing waste by dispensing the appropriate amount of soap needed for effective cleaning. Partnering with a service provider ensures that products are replenished based on actual usage, helping businesses avoid stock shortages and reducing the need for excess storage space.

 Prioritizing proper hand hygiene is a key step in reducing the spread of illness and fostering a healthy, productive workplace. By communicating its importance and ensuring that employees have access to the right tools and resources, businesses can minimize the risk of contamination and create a safer environment for all. As we enter the new year, do not overlook the importance of proper hand hygiene—it is just as crucial as a personal health goal as any other resolution, while also contributing to overall workplace efficiency. If you have any questions about our washroom facility services, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

 References

Arbogast, J. W., Moore-Schiltz, L.,Jarvis, W. R., Harpster-Hagen, A., Hughes, J., & Parker, A. (2016). Impact of a comprehensive workplace hand hygiene program on employer health care insurance claims and costs, absenteeism, and employee perceptions and practices. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58(6),e231–e240. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000738

Meritech. (n.d.). How soap works: The science behind handwashing. Retrieved January 3, 2025 from https://www.meritech.com/blog/how-soap-works

Future Skills Centre. (2021). Working when sick: How workplace regulations and culture will impact the post-pandemic recovery. Retrieved from https://fsc-ccf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Di-FSC-Environics-Working-when-sick.pdf