With many people using the same computers, printers, copiers, and telephones every day, there are a myriad of diseases that can be caught at work if you’re not careful. And with the H1N1 virus in full swing right now, it’s especially important to keep the workplace clean. Here are a few tips to stop the spread of germs in the workplace:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom. It is recommended that you scrub your hands with soap and warm water for 10-15 seconds, then rinse well before drying with a disposable paper towel.
• Keep keyboards, phones, and copiers germ free by using disinfectant wipes to regularly clean items you share with others.
• Have your office dusted regularly. Dust and dirt can accumulate indoors, which pose risks especially to people with allergies and asthma.
• Make sure that your ventilation system is working properly.
• To prevent dust and dirt from settling on your keyboard you can buy a plastic cover fitted to your keyboard’s keys – they’re easier to clean, too.
• Make it a habit to keep a small bottle of disinfectant alcohol or hand sanitizer handy.
• If your office is carpeted, have it regularly vacuumed.
• Have the trash cans – preferably with lids – taken out and emptied every day.
• Simple illnesses such as common colds and the flu can spread very quickly in a workplace, so if you happen to get sick, do every one a favor by staying home – and come back only when you’re well. If you really must go to the office, avoid shaking hands with people and wear a mask or have a handkerchief or face towel handy for sneezing and coughing to help stop the virus from spreading.

No one likes to be sick, and following these simple measures will help make your workplace a much healthier and cleaner place to work.