If you’re the type who already dreads trudging to your cubicle on Monday mornings, here’s another reason to stay home: Your desk may be a veritable zoo for bacteria.In a recent study, a British consumer advocacy group tested a few dozen of its office keyboards for harmful bacteria.
Four were deemed health hazards, and one was five times dirtier than a toilet seat in the same office.
Washing your hands is commonly identified as the most effective way to protect against infections in the work place. Some other steps you can take to keep a hygienic office:
• Regularly clean your keyboard, computer mouse and telephone mouthpiece with disposable disinfectant wipes.
• Avoid eating at your desk if possible.
• Nag your boss to put in automatic liquid soap dispensers and faucets, which reduce the risk of contamination. When washing, use soap and warm water, wash vigorously for 20 seconds and dry your hands completely.
• Sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not your hands. If you do sneeze or cough into your hands, wash them.
• If you’re sick, stay home.
Source: Gannett News Service.
