Office cleaners have to work hard to keep a workspace clean. They have to be diligent about removing dirt, dust, and other contaminants from common office spaces like cubicles, break rooms, and conference rooms. However, some common cleaning solutions like bleach and ammonia can be particularly damaging to a business’s reputation. Thankfully, there are a number of diseases that can be prevented or treated with the right cleaning products. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common diseases that can affect office cleaners and how you can protect your team from contracting them. These diseases are largely the same as those that affect the general public, but they can be spread more easily through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects in the workplace. If you work with a team of cleaners, it’s important to be aware of these diseases so that you can take precautions to protect them and your business from getting sick as a result of their work.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It’s typically found in the lungs and can be spread through the air when people are infected. TB can cause serious and potentially fatal complications if left untreated. There are over 1 million new cases of TB every year, and it’s one of the top killers in the world. The risk of contracting TB from a surface is low. However, if you work with someone who has TB, you can be at risk of contracting the disease. People with TB can spread the disease to others through infected droplets in the air. These droplets can be caught in the lungs and cause an infection. If you’re working in a space where someone has TB, you should follow the CDC’s guidelines for avoiding infection. You should also wear a mask when you’re around the person.
Legionnaires’ disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella. It’s typically found in freshwater environments like rivers and lakes. It can be spread through the air, and it’s estimated that there are between 10,000 and 20,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease every year. The bacteria can be found in water droplets in the air when a water source is infected. It can also be found in soil and dust. People contract Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in the bacteria. It can be treated with antibiotics, but it can be fatal if left untreated. It’s important to follow the CDC’s recommendations for preventing Legionnaires’ disease. You should also wear a mask when you’re around water sources like rivers and lakes.
Mould and mildew
Mould and mildew are types of fungus that can grow on many materials and objects. They’re commonly found in damp, humid environments like attics and basements. Mould and mildew can be problematic for businesses, causing damage to fabrics and other materials. They can also cause allergies in workers who are exposed to them on a regular basis. It’s important to keep your work environment as dry as possible to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. It’s also important to regularly clean and disinfect your work space to prevent the growth of these organisms. It’s important to wear protective gear, like a mask, when cleaning to prevent inhaling spores.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment. It’s important to think about how your team members interact with their work spaces and how they’re positioned. It’s also important to think about how people interact with each other. You can help prevent ergonomic injuries by regularly inspecting your work spaces and making adjustments as needed. It’s important to regularly clean and disinfect your work spaces to prevent the spread of germs. It’s also important to regularly change the air in your work spaces to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.
Conclusion
Office cleaning can be a difficult job. It requires focus and dedication, but it’s also important to stay safe while doing it. There are a number of diseases that can be contracted from the workplace, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can take precautions to protect yourself and your team. It’s important to follow the recommendations of the CDC when cleaning to avoid contracting diseases like TB and Legionnaires’ disease. It’s also important to regularly clean and disinfect your work spaces to prevent the spread of germs.