When employees travel for work, hand hygiene becomes especially important.
Hands are one of the easiest places for viruses and germs to stick, and touching the face can lead to infection.
Two effective measures to protect yourself are washing hands with soap or using hand sanitizer.
For centuries, people have used different methods to stay safe from germs and viruses, and even today, simple soap remains highly reliable.
Soap: How It Works:
Coronavirus and many other viruses have an outer protective layer with weak points.
Soap is effective because its molecules break down the outer layer of the virus, causing it to collapse.
- Even a single drop of soap contains quadrillions of molecules.
- These molecules surround virus particles and, with water, wash them away.
Soap not only kills viruses but also removes dirt and other particles that can hide viruses, making it a reliable choice for hand hygiene.
Hand Sanitizer: (How It Works):
Hand sanitizer contains alcohol, usually ethanol or isopropanol, with at least 60% alcohol content needed to kill viruses effectively.
- When applied, it weakens the virus membrane, allowing molecules to destroy the virus.
- Proper application involves rubbing hands thoroughly until dry.
Hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative when sinks or soap are unavailable, such as during travel or outdoor activities.
Proper Hand Hygiene:
Both soap and hand sanitizer can destroy viruses within seconds, but doctors recommend washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Apply soap or sanitizer everywhere: fingertips, palms, backs of hands, and around fingers.
- Ensure thorough coverage to maximize effectiveness.
Which Is Better for Employees on Business Trips?
Soap: Best for cleaning hands thoroughly and removing dirt where viruses may hide. It’s ideal whenever sinks are available.
Hand sanitizer: Best when traveling or away from a sink. Convenient and effective, but may not reach all areas of the hands.
During outbreaks, employees should follow medical guidance and apply both methods appropriately. Combining soap and sanitizer use ensures the highest level of protection against viruses.
Take Action: Keep Employees Healthy:
Maintaining proper hand hygiene is essential for employee health and productivity, especially during business travel.
If you want to improve employee engagement in training and onboarding, reach out today to transform your training or presentation materials into professional videos that help employees understand your company culture, work ethics, and environment, and adopt healthy workplace habits.