Working in an office environment can often give us a false sense of security, we feel like because we’re protected from the elements that we won’t catch as many diseases. The truth is that we’re more at risk in the office, with some surfaces containing more deadly bacteria than toilets.
There are a myriad of different surfaces which hold hidden horrors, with keyboards, phones and computer screens among the worst offenders. In this article we’ve gathered up some of the deadliest bacteria you’re left open to if your office isn’t kept clean.
QWERTY Tummy
A strange name for a disease, but so prevalent are stomach bugs among those working with keyboards that the keys we use to type with have given this disease its name. The dirt and grime gradually increases on our keyboards, with invisible germs on the keys themselves and a whole host of muck caught between and underneath. It’s for this reason that people are implored to wash their hands as often as possible.
Staphylococcus
A skin and nose bacteria, this is a harmful thing to have large quantities of in an office environment. It can cause such diseases as toxic shock syndrome, MRSA and impetigo, with serious complications if it gets into your bloodstream. It’s found in all those at-risk areas, like our phones and keyboards, making it an ever present danger in offices and business.
E. coli
E. coli is one of those bacterium best suited to our intestines, where it occurs naturally. But there are some strains of the bacteria which are harmful to us. It can be found wherever our hands go and can be defeated with people washing their hands after they’ve been to the toilet. The risk otherwise is vomiting, diarrhoea and even kidney failure – something nobody wants to have to endure!
Salmonella
Part of the enterobacteria group, Salmonella is another bacterium rife in offices where hygiene is poor and regular cleaning goes amiss. The spread of this germ on our hands and surfaces can lead to headaches, vomiting, diarrhea and an enlarged spleen. So while this kind of bacteria is usually associated with farm animals and reptiles, it can appear in offices so any improvements in hygiene are always welcome.
Influenza
Everybody knows how much of a pain the flu can be; it cripples the human body with temperature fluctuations, aching muscles, coughs, congestion and general fatigue. There are no quick fixes once you have the flu, and it’s often spread through germs both airborne and on surfaces, so keeping hands and surfaces clean along with covering your mouth for coughs and sneezes goes a long way.
Overall, the better protected your workforce is from these bacteria the less sick days you’ll have to cover and make up for. In turn you’ll have a happier and healthier environment when you get professionals to clean the key areas of your office.
Here at Alban Cleaning we provide robust and thorough cleaning services for offices, schools and washrooms, helping you to keep bacteria out of your premises and ensuring a hygienic working environment. Call us on 01727 789 626 for a free quote or get in touch online.
