Poor computer hygiene putting employees at risk

Posted on 1 Sep 2008 at 17:48

Desk equipment cleaning manufacturer Durable is promoting a national Computer Cleaning Week. The company estimates that poor hygiene at workstations costs UK firms around £11.7 million per year through employee sickness.

Computer Cleaning Week began in 2006 in an effort to increase awareness amongst consumers about the health risks associated with dirty computer equipment. Durable claims there are an average of 16 million bacteria on the average office keyboard, which is more than you're likely to find on a toilet seat.

The company's research shows that bacteria such as MRSA, E. coli and Salmonella are spread in offices due to unhygienic computer kit, and only three per cent of offices adequately clean their equipment.

GMTV's medical expert Dr Hilary Jones is supporting the Computer Cleaning week, and claims telephones and keyboards are "hotspots" for bacteria.

"It is vital that we wash our hands as often as possible but it is also essential to remember that dirty office equipment such as keyboards and telephones are germ hotspots that must also be cleaned regularly," said Jones.

"The bacteria we pick up on our way to work and during the day are not visible so we are unaware of the potential illnesses we may be at risk from."

A guide explaining how to clean your workspace is available at the Computer Cleaning Week website.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota

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