Cleanlink News October 28 2009
Kimberly-Clark Announces Clean Hands Campaign
A flu outbreak in the office can have a major impact on business operations, sidelining workers and derailing projects. The office can also serve as a “point of spread,” where employees can spread flu to fellow employees as well as to others in the community.
To help office workers fight the flu, Kimberly-Clark Professional is launching “The Clean Hands Campaign Against Flu,” a program that includes a “Flu Fighters Contest,” flu prevention-related educational materials and a Web site.
“Our goal is to spread the word about flu prevention, so office workers will be less likely to pass germs to their co-workers,” said Andy Clement, director of the washroom business for Kimberly-Clark Professional. “Basic common-sense measures such as frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue can go a long way toward preventing the spread of flu germs.”
The centerpiece of the campaign is a “Flu Fighters Contest,” which asks office workers and managers to share their best workplace flu-fighting tips. The contest runs from October 19th – December 15th. At the end of the contest, one office building will receive up to $25,000 worth of hygienic restroom products, including new, touchless bath tissue, skincare and hand towel dispensers for its restrooms and a year’s supply of products for the touchless dispensers. In addition, 10 office workers will receive a year’s supply of Kleenex brand facial tissue and Kimcare brand instant hand sanitizer.
The Clean Hands Campaign Web site also offers an arsenal of flu-fighting materials, such as workplace wellness guides and information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other sources.
Flu prevention efforts can help reduce the spread of flu in the workplace, according to the CDC. Among the CDC flu prevention tips for office workers are:
• Instructing employees to wash their hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Frequently cleaning all commonly touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops and doorknobs.
• Staying home from work and limiting contact with others if you get the flu.
