It’s been reported that there were more than 60 suspected COVID-19 outbreaks in offices recorded in the first two weeks of January and 500+ in the second half of 2020*.
It’s led to Ralph Izod, Managing Director of anti-virus disinfecting specialists and RSSB member Dyno-Pest, warning the railways not to be complacent, despite the ongoing roll out of vaccinations.
He has stressed the importance of the industry maintaining high levels of cleanliness to keep staff and customers safe.
“This figure is concerning given many railways employees are office based and it’s not always possible to work from home. We know anecdotally that some offices don’t have any anti-virus protection in place and for others the protection may not be up to standard. And not every building has windows that can be opened and ventilation systems that can be changed – two of the government’s recommendations for a safer virus free workplace.
“COVID-19 isn’t going anywhere so in the coming weeks as lockdown restrictions ease and more people return to work, employers – on the rail networks and in the commercial world – must undertake risk assessments followed by a strategy for reducing the risk of virus transmission in the workplace. This should include regular anti-virus disinfecting fogging, using products that carry EU and UK certified guarantees.
“For example, the products we use have a minimum guarantee of 30 days with the testing and accreditations undertaken by EU and UK based independent scientists. It’s a concern that some companies don’t have these guarantees but nevertheless are offering their services to the railways.
“It’s more important than ever that the railways evaluate the providers of disinfectant fogging and surface coating to ensure that employees and contractors are protected to the highest recognised EU and UK standards. Whilst this is one part of an ongoing virus transmission reduction strategy it is nevertheless an important one.”
*Public Health England figures obtained by BBC Radio 5 Live
Email info@dynopest.co.uk or click here to visit the website.
Click here to read more from Ralph on why the railways must dig deep on disinfectant.
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