Don't let 'flu derail recovery

Boston Consulting Group argues that the UK has become one of the cheapest manufacturing locations in the Western hemisphere, improving its relative position to the Eurozone, Eastern Europe and even Asia. Such an assessment, as reported in the Daily Telegraph, gives industry a shot of optimism that the very worst of times are over for the present and that real manufacturing growth is around the corner.

Against that promising background it is important that seemingly minor issues are not ignored. The 'flu season is almost upon us – October to April being the time when it is most apparent. While the common cold can be caused by at least 200 viruses, the more debilitating 'flu is actually only caused by three, influenza A,B, and C.

In workplaces heroes are not required during such outbreaks. Rather than employees who are suffering the effects of ‘flu bravely soldiering on and spreading the outbreak to the rest of the workforce, they need to be sent home, or preferably not come in that day at all.

But of course they do and so the next best thing to do is to try to minimise the effect and stop the transmission of the virus in the workplace. It is perhaps surprising that in this day and age the spread of germs can be most effectively managedby the relatively simple expedient of regular hand washing and drying. But it is true. Advice from around the world including recent bulletins from Western Australia and New York City advise frequent hand washing lasting 15 to 20 seconds and then hand drying using a disposable towel as the first step in reducing the spread of bacteria. Introducing a hand hygiene regime has been the starting point in trying to halt the recent and deadly ebola virus outbreak. It really does make a difference.

Key then to establishing best practice in the workplace is the provision of hygienic and well maintained washrooms, together with an enlightened management strategy that encourages employees to take hand hygiene seriously. High levels of hygiene are achieved using disposable towels. Leonardo Dispensing systems, for example, offera a wide range of dispensers, recognising that there is no single optimum solution and that each installation needs to be assessed as to usage patterns, degree of risk, etc. and then matching facility provision to the required appropriate hand hygiene standards. Hands-free dispensing may well be essential in some hygiene critical operations, such as food factories; hand-operated lever dispensers may be more than adequate in other areas. Leonardo’s bio-kleen treated handle offers further protection.

Siting of dispensers can do much to encourage use. Disruption of the working routine needs to be minimised, so the more convenient the positioning of the dispensers, the more likely they will be used. This can sometimes create problems, but the award-winning Compact range offers a solution in the tightest of corners.

Whichever dispenser system is deemed most appropriate, the dispensers themselves need certain in-built qualities that ensure that they deliver the very best of solutions. Easy to clean, easy to monitor and with larger capacity which results in less maintenance time, fewer refills and less tissue stock holding.

The Leonardo range is backed up by what we believe is one of the fastest responding and professional customer support teams in the business to help you keep your employees healthy and your productivity up.