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For better or for worse, political intervention has helped to educate the UK workforce on the importance of good hygiene practices and infection control. For example, we’re now more familiar with the ‘chain’ of COVID-19 transmission. Workforces act as ‘reservoirs’, spreading the virus through physical contact and coughing and sneezing. The virus, or ‘causative agent’ then enters mucous membranes such as the eye and potentially reaches ‘susceptible hosts’, leading to serious illness.


Turning knowledge into actions


On top of political influence, we also have far more media coverage than other historical infection control issues. As a result, we’re seeing a widespread behavioural change. On the ground level, there’s the possibility that the general public is more compliant with these rules because of government and media influence.


Higher up, health and safety enforcers are making their mark. COVID-19 policies are now part of workplace risk assessments, while employers are introducing new measures every day. For some, this means more relaxed working from home policies. For others, this means tangible assets – the installation of plastic screens, barriers and hand sanitisers, as well as face masks.


Currently, it’s not a legal requirement to have a COVID-19 policy in the company handbook. However, the media attention and general knowledge of the virus’ effects have galvanised company policies. In turn, this has effected cultural change which will see employees thinking about their health in the long term.


Where personnel and guidance collide


We’ve now seen managers taking on more holistic roles as they consider not only risk assessments and mental health, but infection control. Of course, some of this is enforced. Local authorities, working in tandem with the HSE, are implementing spot checks and checking cleaning routines.


While this has been laser-focused in some of Britain’s ‘higher-risk’ areas, employers should not overlook these extra precautions. In addition to the new technology mentioned above, employers should run more thorough risk assessments, with the help of a trained third party where necessary.


Cleaners are now abiding by government guidelines including cleaning offices twice a day, and ‘high touchpoints’


(www.citation.co.uk/industries/commercial-cleaning/) www.tomorrowscleaning.com


more often. This isn’t simply a box-ticking exercise – it’s underpinned by facts and figures outlining how these measures stop the spread.


Naturally, this can impose more pressures on workplaces. While already grappling with furlough, they may have to contend with extra costs such as using UV treatments or cleaning agents like Selgiene Extreme. We’re also seeing more targeted inspections through whistleblowing.


However, managers must understand that this is for the common good. By understanding the virus better, we can implement more training and help to control future infections. In particular, smaller businesses may benefit from third-party training for expert, long-term compliance and protection.


Looking to the future


While every sector has been impacted by the pandemic, the cleaning industry looks set for step-change. A greater focus on infection control means that more cleaners will be looking to become accredited with standards such as the ISO 9001, ISO 45001:2018, and the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation.


This could be advantageous for cleaning companies as they strive to outdo their competitors. Businesses need a supplier they can trust, and these accreditations are the hallmark of safety.


As above, we should expect to see more cleaning in the sector, but this is a force for good among Britain’s workforce. Part of this spending will include training and securing access to guidance from bodies such as the NHS, HSE and the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc).


We’ve been watching for a while as the corporate world turns its head towards wellness. Now, behind the backdrop of a pandemic, we’re translating this into real long-term health concerns.


The pandemic may have been the change that nobody wanted, but it has served to highlight the gaps in the cleaning sector. Amidst the tragedy, let’s hope we can turn this into a healthier, happier future for the British workforce.


For more help with risk assessments and workplace COVID-19 policies, visit the website below.


www.citation.co.uk/industries/commercial-cleaning COVID-19 AND INFECTION CONTROL | 35


https://www.citation.co.uk/industries/commercial-cleaning/?utm_source=tomorrows-cleaning&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=lead-gen


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