Toolbox Talks Subjects on Cold and Flu Protection at Work

Need toolbox talks subjects on cold and flu at the workplace? Here are a few that remind your workers about how to protect themselves from illness.

How To Survive Cold & Flu Season At Work – More Toolbox Talks Subjects for Work

The common cold and flu are caused by viruses and have similar symptoms; sore throat, cough, congestion, body aches and fever. Any time you become sick, it can be a huge inconvenience. We all need to keep cold and flu prevention tips for the workplace in mind. Viruses are spread by living on the surfaces we touch and are transferred to our eyes, nose or mouth. To prevent illness, wash your hands often with plenty of soap and water. Washing removes germs from your hands, so be sure to lather well and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remember that a cough or sneeze can propel viruses on to surfaces up to 6 ft away (where they can live for hours), so cover your mouth with tissue each time. If tissue is not available, use your upper arm, and never your hands.

If You’re Sick, Stay Home From Work to Prevent the Spread of Cold and Flu: 

If you are sick, you really should avoid going to work, school or other public areas. There are a couple reasons why this is important. For starters, when you go out in public, you risk infecting others. Also, it may take longer to recover from colds or the flu if you push yourself. By staying home, you can ensure you eat healthy and get plenty of rest to ensure a speedy recovery. While at home, make sure you have the proper sick supplies available including tissues, decongestants, pain relievers, fluids, teas and simple comfort foods like chicken soup. To help prevent the spread of viruses among family members, don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses or towels.

Stop the Spread of Germs at Work to Prevent Cold and Flu

Cold/flu symptoms usually begin 1-2 days after coming into contact with the virus. Fortunately, symptoms will improve 7-10 days after they start. However, it may take your cough 1-2 weeks longer than other symptoms to go away completely. Common colds are usually caught from other people and can be passed on by touching people’s hands or objects contaminated with germs. What can you do to prevent the spread of germs? Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Use tissues and throw them away after use. If you’re not sick, then keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent infecting yourself. Wash your hands with soap frequently, especially before preparing and eating food. You can also make use of an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Here’s some toolbox talks subjects on Cold & Flu Prevention for Workplaces

When cold and flu season arrives, many people find themselves coughing and sniffling while at work. Preventing the spread of cold and flu to your co-workers is important, and there are a few things you can do. First, if you’re sick, you should stay home. However, there are times where you must come to work even when you’re not feeling 100%. When this happens, it’s crucial that you practice good hygiene throughout the day. Cough into your sleeve (not into your hand), because then you’ll prevent germs from from spreading to other areas that you touch with your hands during the day. Also, be sure to wash your hands multiple times during the day. Don’t forget to report any over the counter medications you’re taking to your Supervisor.

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