The Dangers of Dirty Keys
Does your office have a clean workstation policy?
With cold and flu season approaching, we want to extend a friendly reminder to everyone about cleaning their keyboard, mouse, and phone. All three commonly harbor germs and are often overlooked when wiping down the office.
Studies conducted by consumer advocacy groups have discovered that computer equipment can carry everything from the common cold to dangerous bacteria like E. coli and staph. Only about half of respondents to a recent survey said they cleaned their keyboard once a month. The Royal Society of Chemistry in London reports that your dirty keyboard, which may house crumbs from your last working lunch, can even attract vermin. They are calling on employers to adopt a clean workstation policy to maintain safe office environments.
These may be extreme examples, but making sure that you routinely disinfect your devices – especially those shared by multiple employees or customers – could save you a few sick days in the months ahead.
