Don't Fall for the Flu Season Trap: Key High-Touch Areas Janitors Often Overlook

As the flu season creeps closer, the need for a clean and hygienic work environment becomes critical. In a workplace filled with many employees, germs can spread quickly. It is essential to ensure that every inch of your office is well-sanitized. However, even the most diligent janitorial services may overlook key high-touch areas that are vital for preventing illness. In this post, we will highlight three high-touch areas that janitors often skip and how addressing these can help maintain a healthy workplace during flu season.

A close-up view of a frequently used office door handle

1. Door Handles and Push Plates

Door handles and push plates are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in offices. Each day, employees and visitors touch these areas countless times, making them prime candidates for spreading germs.

Unfortunately, these surfaces often go unnoticed during routine cleaning. Janitors might focus more on larger, more visible surfaces while neglecting door handles and push plates, leaving them at risk of contamination.

For example, a study found that door handles can harbor up to 50 different types of bacteria. To combat this, businesses should adopt a cleaning routine that ensures these high-touch areas are disinfected multiple times throughout the day using EPA-approved disinfectants. This simple measure can play a crucial role in keeping the workplace safe and healthy.

2. Light Switches and Elevator Buttons

Light switches and elevator buttons should also not be ignored. Throughout the day, numerous people touch these surfaces, making them hotspots for germs.

Janitorial staff may not prioritize these areas, especially if they do not appear dirty. However, research shows that light switches can carry over 40 times more germs than a toilet seat.

To improve cleanliness, create a regular cleaning schedule that includes disinfecting light switches and elevator buttons. Considering the potential risk, this step is essential in reducing the chances of illness spreading within your office.

An eye-level view of an elevator button panel in a commercial building

3. Shared Equipment and Supplies

In many workplaces, shared equipment and supplies, such as printers, copiers, and communal kitchen items, are frequently overlooked during cleaning. These items are used by multiple employees, making them breeding grounds for germs.

Janitorial staff may focus more on floors and surfaces, but neglecting the equipment that employees use daily can facilitate the spread of illness. Given that 70% of office workers share workstations, it is critical to emphasize these areas during cleaning.

To reduce this risk, offices should establish a cleaning routine that prioritizes the disinfection of shared equipment and supplies. Encourage employees to wipe down these surfaces before and after use, and ensure that janitorial staff are trained to include these areas in their cleaning protocols.

Staying Ahead During Flu Season

As flu season approaches, being proactive about maintaining a clean workplace is essential. By targeting high-touch areas that often go overlooked—like door handles, light switches, and shared equipment—you can help minimize the risk of illness spreading among employees.

Implementing a thorough cleaning strategy that focuses on these critical areas will not only protect your workforce but will also foster a culture of health and wellness in your organization.

Do not fall for the flu season trap—make sure your janitorial services are effectively addressing these high-touch areas. Taking these extra steps can significantly enhance the environment for everyone and lessen the impact of flu season on your workplace.

A clean office is a healthy office, and focusing on these specific details can make all the difference in maintaining employee safety and productivity during flu season.