Compulsory use of hand sanitizers

[Andy2000]

Our work has just installed hand gel sanitizers and insisting that all employees who enter the premises use it. I dont agree that they are necessary. Given its an office environment and not food/health related, can they really enforce this on employees upon threat of disciplinary action if they refuse?

[Cheeris]

Not really sure, but I would say yes and no overall.

I think the employer would be well within their rights if they feel that hand hygiene is a company-wide issue, they can insist upon it. Hand sanitisation in possible viral epidemics is a worker to worker health issue, nothing to do with food; they can claim employee safety / health.

I would say in the light of this,how can they enforce and MONITOR the effectiveness of this?

[tamborine]

You should comply. It's recommended to cut out cross infections etc and your works dont want you off sick.

[daffy654]

Why do you object to using the gel?

[brenda]

Are you 100% certain that all your work colleagues have the highest standards of personal hygiene, and that these nasty bugs will not find their way into your office by contact transmission.?
What is your objection to an employer trying to look after your health.or is it that you just don't like being told what to do.?
Don't think there is any way the use of gels can be monitored in an effective way by any employer, because you will always get where hygiene is concerned , the careless, sloppy , feckless, ignorant , and just plain stupid employee. The use of hand gels in hospitals bears testimony to that.
So what really is your problem, or do you just like living dangerously at a time when there could be a pending serious outbreak of swine flu for example.?
Glad I don't work in your office.

[BertiWooster]

I dont see what your objections are either , unless as mentioned, you just dont like to be told you have to

I'm sure there are many things that your employer could impose on you , which would be a genuine cause for concern - I dont see this as such an example .

You just dont know what the hygeine habits of people are - any this is not going to eliminate the problem of contact transmission of virus etc , but it should help in reducing it .

In my office there is a chap who does not wash his hands when he uses the toilet .
I see him making cups of tea for people on his section , handling the tea bags etc - needless to say i would have to politely decline should he offer to make me one