Image

Germs in the Office: Do You Know Where Your Phone Has Been? [Infographic]

Aug. 20, 2014
Think because you work in an office environment you're "safe?" Think again: Studies have found as many as 25,000 germs per square inch on an office telephone.

Providing a clean office environment is a key component of running an effective organization. Cleanliness is important for a company's brand persona and client perception, but it also has a major role to play for employee health and well-being and can directly influence productivity through the prevention of absences from work.

“Did you know that the average work desk is 400 times dirtier than the average toilet seat?” asked David Smith, director of Cleaning Services Group, a UK-based cleaning services company.

According to Cleaning Services Group:

  • 60 percent of illnesses that result in absence from work are contracted from equipment in the office contaminated by E coli, staph and bacteria.
  • With 65 percent of office workers sharing phones and computers, and with a whopping 25,127 germs per square inch found on just a telephone, employers need to take cleanliness seriously.

This infographic explores the various germ zones in the office and outlines the economic impact that “sick days” cost companies every year.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
With the right workplace health and safety training, your organization can reduce risk and protect your employees.
June 23, 2025
This article covers the key steps to build a reliable SDS management program, from organizing your inventory and sourcing updated SDS to ensuring easy access and regular maintenance...
June 23, 2025
It's time to get a bit more granular and start to examine the types of metrics EHS departments should be tracking, starting with lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR).
June 23, 2025
With the number of lone workers on the rise, here are five facts every employer should know about lone working.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!