Companies worldwide demand higher hygiene standards
Copenhagen, 13 August 2009 - The current risk of an outbreak of a swine flu pandemic in many countries around the world spurs companies to seek advice on hygiene and take provisions for better sanitation reports ISS, one of the world’s largest providers of facility services.
"It is our experience that companies increasingly are asking for professional advice and our know-how in ensuring better hygiene and a higher frequency of cleaning as a measure against a potential swine flu pandemic," says Jeff Gravenhorst, Group COO at ISS A/S
Both companies and public institutions contact ISS daily. Especially larger companies and hospitals are among the callers.
"We have received many inquiries from the public health care sector, par-ticularly hospitals. Also, many companies ask us to provide their employees with information on the virus and seek our advice on what products are most suitable to guard against a spread of the disease. They also emphasise visible measures such as sanitizers in canteens, rest rooms and at work-places,” says Jeff Gravenhorst.
Demand for disinfection products soars
ISS reports an increase in demand for cleaning services and addition hygiene solutions in a number of countries. Particularly hand and surface dis-infection products are in high demand. In Norway demand for such products has gone up by 3000 percent. And the expectation is that by the end of the year demand will have increased by 5000 percent compared to last year. In Mexico ISS is stocking up on sanitizing machines and gel as well as masks and in the Netherlands customers show heavy demand for pandemic sets from ISS Washroom Services, including such items as masks, disinfectant soap and facial tissues.
“If predictions are accurate we expect demand will pick up significantly from late autumn through winter in the Northern hemisphere, as people return from their vacations and colder weather arrives,” says Jeff Gravenhorst.
Recommendations to reduce the risk of swine flu transmission:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly – use paper towels.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, especially surfaces that are frequently touched by hands (door knobs, desks, elevator buttons and computer keyboards, etc)
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
- Cover nose and mouth with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Follow the recommendations of your local health authorities.
Further Information:
Jeff Gravenhorst
Group COO
ISS A/S
Ph. +45 38 17 00 00
About the ISS Group
The ISS Group is one of the world's leading Facility Services Groups, providing integrated service solutions based on the core business areas of Cleaning, Catering, Office Support, Property Service and Security. The ISS Group generated revenue of almost DKK 69 billion in 2008 and employs more than 470,000 people in more than 50 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and Pacific.