Eight Tips For A Better Office Environment
The statistics relating to pollen in offices are sobering. For example, office air is up to 20 times more polluted than outside air; almost a third of buildings suffer from Sick Building Syndrome; 64 million days a year costing £6 billion are lost to allergies, and employees who suffer from allergies are reckoned to be 40% less productive than those who don’t.
It has been estimated that the average worker with allergies misses about one hour per week over the course of a year. But that sick time is often concentrated during peak allergy periods. The pollen season can start as early as January and end as late as November so it is, to all intents and purposes, a year-round problem.
It is, however, the spring that heralds the start of really high pollen counts when runny noses, watering eyes and incessant sneezing become the norm for hay fever sufferers.
Thankfully, there are practical steps that can help protect office workers from the miserable effects of exposure to pollen. Here are seven tips for employers and their staff:
- The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you’re allergic to so keep the windows closed in the early morning and late in the afternoon when the pollen count is at its highest.
- Ensure desks are clear and cleaned regularly so that they are unable to harbour dust or other allergens.
- If the office contains plants, ensure they are watered regularly.
- Ensure carpets are vacuumed regularly.
- Hang jackets and coats in an enclosed closet or away from the main working area.
- Make certain the office is effectively ventilated mechanically, or air conditioned.
- Change air filters and maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems twice a year.
- Fit some form of pre-filtration to prevent pollen entering the building. ECEX Air Intake Screens, for example, are long-lasting, weather-resistant filters are designed specifically for high velocity airflow applications such as chillers, dry air coolers, air handling units, cooling towers and air conditioning units. They prevent airborne debris – including pollen – from clogging internal coil fins, perishable filters and other components.
For more information about ECEX Air Intake Screens, click here.