The COVID-19 pandemic has become an unprecedented global event that will impact and shape hygiene behaviour forever. As businesses re-open and people return to work, the role of facility managers, building services managers and cleaners will take on a greater level of importance to ensure the highest standards of health and safety for their employees and visitors.
A global survey* revealed 43% of people felt unsafe entering a washroom with air dryers and 72% of people wished more facilities offered paper hand towels over air dryers. This consumer sentiment is supported by numerous infection control guidelines, including the World Health Organisation who recommend that once hands are cleaned, they should be dried thoroughly using paper towels. This may prompt a rethink in many building facilities where hand dryers have been installed.
As we move forward, protecting workplaces will require a heightened focus on effective hand hygiene protocols from routine cleaning and disinfecting procedures to optimising hand dispenser placement throughout the workplace, along with good hygiene practice signage. Providing clean, well-stocked hand washing stations with hand sanitisers in high traffic areas such as receptions, kitchens, and meeting rooms promotes a safer environment and helps to reduce the spread of infection. Removing risk is going to play a critical role to ensure employees feel protected and supported in their day to day environment.
As global experts in professional hygiene, Tork is here to support you with the right tools for maintaining the highest hygiene practices within the workplace. We have been delivering professional hygiene solutions for over 50 years and understand each industry has varying hygiene requirements and needs.
*Source: United Minds End-User Survey “Paper hand towel preference across 7 countries” 8th-13th April 2020