How To Maintain a Sanitized Work Environment

Updated on March 15, 2021
How To Maintain a Sanitized Work Environment

In the best of times, it’s always necessary to maintain a sanitized work environment. It’s now even more important to keep everything sanitary because of the ongoing pandemic. Maintaining a clean workspace ensures that the risk of infection or illness is significantly reduced, keeping everyone safe while on their shift. Sanitation comes from a thorough cleaning policy and having all workers adhere to those procedures.

Thorough Handwashing

Regularly washing your hands is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a clean environment. Hands should be washed with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap for at least 20 seconds. The palms, knuckles, thumbs, and fingers should all be cleaned in the process. Typically, hands should be washed:

  • After using the bathroom
  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating
  • Before and after caring for someone who is sick
  • After handling garbage

Top-To-Bottom Cleaning

Beginning the cleaning process from the top down will reduce the need to reclean areas. Cleaning from the top will cause unsanitary particles to flow downwards, so you can clean it up later with the rest of the mess. Clean all necessary surfaces to maintain sanitation, and give special attention to high-touch areas such as phones, door handles, and chairs.

Have the Right Cleaning Materials

Do not purchase cleaning materials that are inadequate for the job of full sanitation. Doing so will not guarantee that a surface has been properly cleaned and can leave harmful germs and bacteria behind. Alcohol wipes that only kill 60 percent of germs are useless in sanitation and will only be a waste of money, time, effort, and only succeeds in bringing a false sense of security.

Use the Right PPE

When cleaning areas around the workplace, have ready the necessary protective equipment to keep yourself from getting an infection or risking cross-contamination. Much cross-contamination happens due to tracking material in by the soles of shoes, so investing in disposable shoe covers can greatly mitigate contamination.

Reinforce Policy With Signage

With your cleaning policy determined, employees knowing their expectations, and the proper cleaning materials obtained, you must constantly reinforce those expectations. Post signage around areas with the greatest risk of contamination to remind workers to work carefully. Have sanitation areas with cleaning materials and disposal areas. When everyone knows what they are expected to do and they have the proper tools to carry out their duties, then sanitation will no longer be a problem in the workplace.