Why Disinfecting Footwear Should NOW Be on Your Radar for a Safer Workplace

In the post-COVID-19 workplace, better sanitation requires social-distancing and head-to-toe disinfecting tactics. Business leaders face the daunting tasks of maintaining the workplace for the ongoing “new normal” from split shift logistics to workplace safety. As such, managers must integrate new strategies to ensure their working facilities remain sanitary and healthy. Reducing the ongoing risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting is now a foremost priority. 

The continued presence of coronavirus involves updating plans to address the specific exposure risks, sources of exposure, routes of transmission, and other unique characteristics of COVID-19. And while most plans focus on some of the more obvious dangers – hands and face – an often-overlooked concern lies directly at our feet. Despite routine cleaning, floors can hold many viral dangers when it comes to COVID-19 transmission.

A recent, new study by the CDC revealed coronavirus easily and rapidly spread on floors in contaminated areas that were tested. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 can survive on floors for several hours to several days. Solutions for disinfecting shoes such as shoe/boot wash stations can relieve the danger of COVID-19 viral transmission by foot. Consider the following guidelines Medical News Today for cleaning and disinfecting workplace footwear. 

- Essentials workers should choose a single pair of shoes or only select pairs of shoes for workplace purposes.

- Wipe the exterior surfaces and soles of the shoes with disinfecting wipes or wash water resistant footwear with a disinfecting solution. (Refer to the footwear manufacturer for specific instructions based on footwear material.)

- Dry shoes in a designated and well-ventilated area.

- Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated objects, including when disinfecting shoes.

- After disinfecting objects and surfaces, immediately throw disposable gloves away.

- Workers who do not have access to gloves should avoid touching their face and wash their hands immediately after handling potentially contaminated objects and surfaces.

The disinfection process will help to stop the spread -- literally walking the virus from one room to next,  out into employees’ homes and neighborhoods -- as well as bringing the virus from infected homes into your workplace. 

Do your part to create a safer workplace & a safer home! Limit the spread of contaminants with a Boot Wash Station from Killarney Metals. You’ve come to count on us for solutions to keep your home and business safe and we are more dedicated than ever to your needs. Take advantage of free ground shipping at KillarneyMetals.com or call toll-free (877) 801-7417 8:30 AM - 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday for assistance. Stay safe!