Maintain a Healthy Workplace With Professional Janitorial Services

Maintain a Healthy Workplace with Professional Janitorial Services 

If your office or facility hasn’t been professionally cleaned in a while, chances are that it has become pretty germy, even if it looks clean. Everyday human interactions, whether in an office building, school, warehouse, manufacturing plant, or gym can easily cause the spread of microorganisms (also known as microbes or germs) and create an unhealthy environment. One of the most common ways germs spread is by people touching germy surfaces. “Hot spots” such as phones, light switches, office equipment, door handles, elevator buttons, faucet handles, toilet flushers, and other frequently touched surfaces can harbor a lot of microbes if not cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. 

Personal hygiene and a clean work environment are essential to good health. Regular cleaning of surfaces in the workplace removes dirt, dust, and particles on which germs can grow. Cleaning and disinfecting products that contain an active antibacterial or antimicrobial ingredient can provide extra protection against the spread of germs, including those that may cause disease. When employee health is a priority, regular cleaning and disinfecting by a professional janitorial service can play a vital role in preventing illness and absenteeism in the workplace.

Workers frequently use the same computer keyboards, phones, or buttons in building elevators each day, giving microorganisms the opportunity to accumulate and spread.  A recent study published in Open Medicine revealed that elevator buttons have more bacteria than surfaces in public restrooms. Research also shows that breakroom sinks, refrigerator handles, and microwave doors are among the most germ-ridden surfaces in any given office.  

A few interesting facts about germs  

• Germs are most often spread by hand through person-to-person contact.
• Microorganisms can enter our bodies through the mouth, nose, eyes and break in the skin without even knowing we’ve been infected.
• Poor personal hygiene by food handlers is the second leading cause of foodborne illness.
• Americans spend about $5 billion each year on their colds – about $3 billion on doctors’ visits and $2 billion on treatments.
• An estimated 60 million days of school and 50 million days of work are lost annually because of the common cold.
• Some 5.5 million visits to doctors’ offices each year are due to skin infections.
• Germs can be transferred from inanimate surfaces to hands and vice-versa.
• Some germs can live on dry surfaces for several hours and moist surfaces (like bathroom sinks) for up to three days.
• Salmonella can survive freezing and can survive on dry surfaces for at least 24 hours.
• The average dishcloth can contain 4 billion living germs

From work cubicles to common areas to restrooms, an organization can make a significant impact on the health and safety of its workers (and visitors) by providing a clean and hygienic work environment. In the U.S. alone, it’s been estimated that employee sick days cost businesses over $225.8 billion annually. According to Occupational Health and Safety, routine cleaning and disinfecting can help reduce employee sick days by as much as 50 percent. Professional janitorial services will help ensure that all health and safety protocols are adhered to according to industry standards. 

Health-focused cleaning 

The use of synthetic microfiber cloths and mops are highly effective for removing organic matter (dirt, oils, grease) and germs from surfaces. Microfiber used for cleaning is called split microfiber which can remove large quantities of microbes including hard-to-kill spores. Microfiber is ideal for cleaning high-traffic, high-risk areas in any facility and is the preferred cleaning cloth used by professional cleaners.

Another component of health-focused cleaning is the use of EPA-registered disinfectants, proven to kill 99% of germs and viruses on surfaces. Regular cleaning products do a good job of removing dirt, but only disinfectants (also known as antibacterial cleaners) kill the germs that can cause many illnesses. Common antimicrobial ingredients include pine oil, quaternary ammonium compounds, sodium hypochlorite, phenols, and ethanol.

Depending on the active ingredient(s) and the product formulation, disinfectant cleaners kill bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which cause intestinal illness, and Staphylococcus which causes skin infections; a fungus that causes athlete’s foot; and viruses such as Herpes Simplex, Rhinovirus, which is the leading cause of the common cold; and Rotavirus, a major cause of diarrhea.

Products that claim to kill germs must meet efficacy requirements and guidelines established by the EPA, be registered with EPA, and carry an EPA registration number on their label. In order for surfaces to be effectively disinfected, the instructions on product labels need to be followed carefully. 

Along with professional janitorial services that include routine cleaning and disinfecting, employees should use disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch points such as phones, desktops, keyboards, etc. throughout the day. Combining routine cleaning and disinfecting with an aggressive hand hygiene program can provide a hygienic barrier to reduce the risk of illness for building occupants.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a major concern to businesses, schools, building managers, tenants, and workers because it can impact the health, comfort, well-being, and productivity of the building occupants. OSHA recognizes that poor IAQ can be hazardous to workers’ health and that building owners, managers, and employers should take a proactive approach to address indoor air quality. Many workers spend up to eight hours a day in the workplace and can be exposed to a range of contaminants in the air.

Biological excessive concentrations of bacteria, viruses, fungi, dust mites, animal dander, and pollen may result from inadequate maintenance and housekeeping. In addition, non-biological particles like dust, dirt, or other substances may be drawn into the building from outside. Particles can also be produced by activities that occur in buildings such as construction, sanding wood or drywall, printing, copying, and operating equipment.  

Organizations can help control and prevent indoor air pollution in the workplace with professional janitorial services that include vacuuming with HEPA filtration. HEPA is an acronym for “high-efficiency particulate air.  This type of air filter can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm). As a key component of health-focused commercial cleaning, regular vacuuming with HEPA filtration can help reduce airborne germs and other pollutants and improve overall indoor air quality. 

The takeaway

A healthy work environment starts with businesses that empower their employees with proper information about protecting themselves from germs. These organizations need to stress frequent handwashing, the use of hand sanitizers, and keep sanitizing stations visible and well-stocked. Professional janitorial services along with hand hygiene education and tools can reduce workplace illnesses and  absenteeism as well as improve the quality of life, well-being and productivity of workers.

Cleanstart – The #1 Choice for Professional Janitorial Services

Cleanstart has extensive experience providing a wide range of cleaning services in a variety of commercial settings throughout the greater Puget Sound region. We bring an unparalleled level of competency and professionalism to every office and facility we service.  Our highly-trained cleaning crews work efficiently while maximizing health and safety protocols and minimizing disruption to your business operations.

Check out our 5-star Google Reviews! 

Our cleaning technicians are equipped with the latest equipment and technologies to safely and effectively clean and maintain your facility. We offer daily, weekly, monthly, and after-hour cleaning services as well as one-time and emergency cleanings with quick response times. We will work with you to create a customized cleaning plan tailored to fit your needs, budget, and schedule.

Cleanstart proudly offers:

✓ Over 25 years of experience in the commercial cleaning and janitorial industry
✓ Thoroughly trained and vetted cleaning professionals
✓ Commitment to the highest quality clean
✓ Local, licensed, bonded, and insured
✓ 24/7 cleaning options & support
✓ Quick response times
✓ Customized cleaning solutions
✓ Electrostatic spray disinfection service
✓ One-time and recurring cleaning services
✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee
✓ OSHA, HIPAA, EPA, CDC, AORN compliant
✓  A+ BBB-rating

Give the cleaning specialists at Cleanstart a call today at (253) 921-2593 to learn more about our professional janitorial services and request a free, no-obligation cleaning estimate. 

We service the following areas in the greater Puget Sound region:  Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bonney Lake, Bremerton, Factoria, Fife, Gig Harbor, Kent, Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, Tacoma, Tukwila, University Place, King County, Kitsap County, Pierce County, and Thurston County.

5013 Pacific Hwy E unit 16 Fife, WA 98424 • Phone: 253.921.2593 • Email: Caleb @ thecleanstart.com

 

 

Article Sources:
American Cleaning Institute (ACI)
Healthland.Time
Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA.
Environmental protection Agency (EPA).