Cold and flu season doesn’t just affect employee health; it impacts productivity, project timelines, and your bottom line. In industries where every hour counts, absenteeism caused by illness can lead to costly delays and missed deadlines. Implementing personal protective equipment (PPE) as part of your health and safety program is a practical, cost-effective way to reduce the spread of viruses and keep your workforce healthy.
Here are three PPE strategies and products that can make a measurable difference:
1. Gloves: A First Line of Defense Against Surface Contamination
Cold and flu viruses can survive on surfaces for hours, making shared tools, equipment, and high-touch areas prime transmission points.
- Use disposable nitrile or latex gloves for tasks involving shared equipment or frequent contact with high-touch surfaces.
- Change gloves between tasks and never reuse disposable gloves.
- Pair glove use with proper hand hygiene. Wash hands before and after wearing gloves.
Gloves are especially critical in environments like warehouses and production floors where employees handle shared tools and packaging. They reinforce hygiene protocols and help prevent cross-contamination.
2. Masks: Blocking Respiratory Droplets
Respiratory droplets are the primary way cold and flu viruses spread. Masks, whether disposable surgical masks for general use or N95 respirators for high-risk environments, help reduce transmission by creating a physical barrier.
- Provide masks for employees working in close proximity or in high-traffic areas.
- Ensure masks fit properly and cover both nose and mouth.
- Replace disposable masks regularly and store them in clean, dry areas.
In manufacturing and construction settings, where distancing isn’t always possible, masks can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks that disrupt operations.
3. Hygiene Stations: Making PPE Accessible
Even the best PPE strategy fails without accessibility. Centralized hygiene stations stocked with gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer encourage consistent use and make compliance easy.
- Position stations at entry points, break rooms, and near high-touch areas.
- Include signage to reinforce proper donning and doffing techniques.
- Regularly audit and restock stations to prevent shortages during peak season.
Visible, well-stocked hygiene stations create a culture of safety and accountability. They also reduce downtime by ensuring employees have immediate access to PPE when needed.
Gloves, Masks & Stations Keep Lines Moving
Cold and flu season costs Canadian businesses over $1 billion annually in lost productivity. By integrating PPE into your health and safety program, you can protect your workforce, maintain operational continuity, and demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being.
Ready to Build an Effective PPE Assortment to Combat Cold and Flu?
Reach out to your Bunzl Safety representative today for help designing a tailored solution that keeps your workforce healthy and your operations running smoothly.
