Covid-19 prevention in the workplace

As Europe opens up and many workers return to the workplace, the threat of a second wave looms. A survey report from the Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD) has revealed that more than one third (34%) of businesses cite a ‘second wave’ as the biggest risk facing their organisations and nearly a quarter (24%) say that the threat of Covid-19 infection is the ‘biggest barrier’ to employees returning to the office/workplace.

Worker reluctance is understandable as there is a risk that people in the workplace – whether it’s the office, a meeting room, factory floor or retail environment – might unknowingly be exposed to Covid-19 or unwittingly bring the Covid-19 virus with them to work.

Covid-19 prevention in the workplace

While governments are being pushed from all sides to come up with clear plans, businesses can take a firmer hold on virus prevention and hygiene in the workplace.

To support businesses and schools reopening in these challenging times, the Halcyon Group offers a Covid-19 decontamination service which includes touchpoint surface cleaning to sanitise surfaces that are regularly touched. Fully-trained and professional operatives wearing full PPE then carry out a process of fogging throughout the premises using professional-use anti-microbial disinfectants.

With a multitude of touchpoints in a workplace some areas can be overlooked by general in-house staff, which is why a specialist service that includes fogging is most effective in infection control.

Fogging kills all but 0.0001% of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, moulds and mildews

Fogging gives surfaces lasting virus protection

Unlike most conventional cleaning products that claim to kill 99.9% of germs, fogging kills all but 0.0001% of viruses, bacteria, yeasts, moulds and mildews. Conventional bleach has a kill-rate of 3, while fogging has a far superior kill-rate of 6.

Conventional cleaning will not be enough to eliminate the MRSA superbug, for example. Fogging is proven effective at removing MRSA and kills a wide range of pathogens and contaminants, which is why Halcyon is trusted with hospital cleaning contracts in multiple HSE regions as well as government buildings, retail stores and offices throughout Ireland.

Not all disinfectants are effective. Depending on the surfaces they are applied to and the environment they are in, they may be ineffectual.

“Halcyon uses best-in-class Formula 429, which has a prolonged residual action that prevents viable colonies of micro-organisms from developing for up to four weeks after fogging,” says Peter Kirwan, Managing Director of the Halcyon Group. “The procedure is quick, depending on square-meterage to be covered and the area is safe to use again after just one hour.”

How to choose a cleaning service for Covid-19 prevention

Covid-19 has provided a breeding ground for businesses offering cleaning services, many quoting cut-rate prices. It’s essential when choosing a supplier to vet the company’s credentials.

Halcyon carries Public and Employers’ Liability and Professional Indemnity, giving organisations protection against claims. Organisations receive a Covid-19 certificate of completion to display on the premises, providing staff and visiting clients and customers peace of mind that cleaning and decontamination have been professionally carried out to the most stringent standards.