Monsoon is a beautiful season with a lot of greenery, great weather and fun. But, it is also the season of infectious diseases because the moisture is at its highest during this season. It brings a number of contagious diseases with it like common cold, cholera, diarrhoea, dengue, etc.
As people spend quite a number of hours in their office, they are more exposure to viruses and bacteria at their workplace. Employees can catch the infection from various sources such as people they are working with, things they are using and the food they are eating. In fact, it is one of the major reason of absenteeism among employees during this season. It affects not only the efficiency of the employees but also the overall outcome of the company. However, there are some steps that one can take to prevent such infections and diseases.
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Take Precautions
It starts with the assumption that everyone is potentially at risk of getting an infection. Once we assume that, we can take steps in advance that would help us prevent contagious diseases. At any workplace, an employer should ensure that a first aid kit is always available and a few staff members trained in first aid.
Take Care of Personal Hygiene
Regularly wash hands: Most of the germs can be prevented from entering the body by just taking care of the cleanliness of your hands. Employees should be encouraged to adopt the habit of washing hands at regular intervals such as, before eating your food, after travelling by public transport, after visiting the toilet, using any equipment, etc. One can even keep a sanitizer at their desk to avoid infections.
Take care of open wounds: An open wound or bruise may develop bacterial infection. Employees should pay attention to such wounds and should avoid working in such conditions. If they are still working like this, proper waterproof dressing should be given to such wounds.
Not to share personal things: People should not share their personal things like handkerchiefs, tissues or hand towels to prevent germs from spreading.
Stay at home while you are sick: If employees are seen coughing and sneezing at the workplace then they should be advised to stay at home. They might be suffering from a viral or bacterial illness which is contagious and can infect their co-workers also.
Keep the Workplace Clean
There should be regular washing of floors. Employee’s workstation, floor, and bathroom must be properly cleaned every day. The office walls and ceiling should be washed at regular interval. Mops, brushes and dusters should be thoroughly washed and dried after every use. Drying mops & cloths is particularly important since many pathogens rely on moisture to thrive. There should be proper cleaning and care of equipment used at the workplace.
Some Tips to Follow During this Season
- Avoid getting wet in the rains, since it can harm your health and lower your productivity at work.
- Keep a spare set of clothes and shoes at work to change when you get drenched in rains. Try to stay warm and dry most of the time.
- Always dry your feet and hair after getting wet in the rains.
- Wash feet and hands with disinfectants a couple of times every day. If cold or fever persists for more than 2 days, see a doctor.
- Avoid eating fried or junk food.
- Include foods that boost your immunity, for example, more of green leafy vegetables in your diet.
Since monsoon is such a lovely weather, no one can really avoid getting drenched in rains. A little prior preparation and preventive steps go a long way in keeping you healthy at your workplace during the monsoon.
