How to Prevent Allergies at Work
For the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies, making it through the workday can be extremely difficult. Watery eyes, a running nose, a scratchy throat, and other allergy symptoms make it hard to focus on work, which can significantly reduce productivity.
Although many employees have their own ways of treating their common workplace allergies, whether it’s keeping their space clean or taking medication, employers are also responsible for ensuring they provide a safe and healthy work environment to reduce the amount of allergens in the workplace environment.
Common Allergies at Work
Businesses across a wide range of industries including office spaces, factories, retail establishments and warehouses are prone to the following allergens:
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Cigarette smoke
- Fumes
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Fragrances
- Pollen
How to Reduce Allergens in the Workplace
The most important way to keep a workplace healthy by reducing the number of allergens is with regular cleanings. Some of our tips include:
Vacuuming Regularly
High-traffic areas such as entryways or main hallways should be vacuumed daily or at least a few times a week to sweep up all of the dirt, dust, dander, and other allergens. Less-used areas such as conference rooms or printing rooms should be vacuumed at least once per week.
Cleaning Work Areas and Office Desks Frequently
Provide disinfectant wipes so employees can keep their workspace clean. Encourage employees to wipe down high-touch surfaces such as desks, phones, keyboards, and computer screens every few days. Contact A.G. Maas for disinfectant wipes and other common workplace cleaners.
Running a Dehumidifier
Summers in Central Indiana can be hot and muggy, which makes it difficult for your company’s HVAC system to control high humidity levels alone. If you have allergy sufferers in your office, installing a dehumidifier to your office air conditioning system can help by creating more comfortable air that isn’t sticky or stuffy. High indoor humidity levels can also lead to the formation of mold or mildew, which can cause significant health issues if not treated.
Improving Indoor Ventilation
Indoor air quality can be two to five times worse than the air outside, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That’s why it’s imperative to place a focus on properly ventilating your space. Some easy ways to improve indoor air quality at work are by installing air purifiers or air cleaners to the HVAC system, changing air filters frequently, and having indoor air tests conducted regularly to see where any problems lie.
We recommend changing air filters every three months in office settings and more frequently in factory and manufacturing environments. A.G. Maas has a large selection of air filters to choose from.
Facility Audits and Procurement Support from A.G. Maas
To keep your facility or office space free of irritable allergens, you need a steady stock of cleaning supplies, air filters, and disinfectant wipes. But how do you know how much of each to buy so you don’t run out? That’s where a facility audit from A.G. Maas can be beneficial. We’ll review your purchase history and make buying recommendations so you never run out of the cleaning supplies or products you need.
A.G. Maas can take its services one step further by providing procurement support for your company. We’ll handle the sourcing and pricing of all of your supplies at the lowest possible price and then deliver the products directly to your business so you never run out of what you need.
Contact A.G. Maas for Cleaning and Office Supplies
A.G. Maas was founded in 1915 as a small company that sold cleaners from a horse-drawn carriage. Since then, we’ve grown into one of the largest and most trusted facilities supplies and furnishings companies in Indiana and all of the Midwest. We have an unwavering commitment to our customers and always put their needs first. To learn more about how our services can help eliminate allergy symptoms, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today to get started.
