Personal Hygiene

We Wash Here

Cases of influenza (the flu) and other similar illnesses are much lower than average across Australia this year. This is believed to be as a result of the COVID-19 preventative measures we’ve all made part of our daily habits. Central to this is social distancing, which we covered last week, and practising good personal hygiene.

The below practical measures are central to maintaining good hygiene and continuing to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – including before and after eating or using the bathroom
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when you can’t use soap and water – especially after touching a shared surface (ie door handle)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – or other people
• Cover a cough or sneeze – use your elbow or a tissue
• Dispose of tissues safely in the bin and wash your hands after
• Wash body, hair (including facial hair), clothes and reusable masks daily
• Don’t use alcohol-free sanitiser – there is no medical evidence it works against viruses like COVID-19
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others and avoid crowded places, or wear a mask if in a crowded space such as public transport
• If you are unwell, stay home and get tested
• Ensure Hutchies’ hygiene posters are displayed around sites and offices to encourage regular hand washing
• Place Hutchies’ stickers on the backs of cubicle doors, on walls in bathrooms or around kitchens as visual reminders
• Provide facilities around sites and offices to enable good personal hygiene – such as access to sinks with soap or hand sanitiser stations (ie in meeting / crib rooms, work areas etc)

Regular reminders and communication of these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open.