Toolbox Talk: Hand Washing — The Simplest Way to Stay Healthy
Did You Know?
Elevator buttons have 22% more bacteria than toilet seats — just one reason to wash your hands often. [2]
STAY INFORMED
- Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick. [1]
- On average, you come into contact with 300 surfaces every 30 minutes — and each surface can carry thousands of germs. [2]
- Germs spread easily when people touch their face after touching contaminated surfaces, especially eyes, nose, or mouth. [1]
- About 80% of communicable diseases are transferred by touch — through hands that haven’t been properly cleaned.
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Wash Hands for at Least 20 Seconds
- Use soap and water, scrubbing all parts of the hands including fingertips and under nails. Sing “Happy Birthday” twice to time it. [1]
2. Wash Hands Before and After Handling Food
- Clean your hands before and after preparing, eating, or serving food to prevent foodborne illness. [1]
3. Wash Hands When Caring for Others
- Always wash your hands before and after caring for someone who is ill or injured — even with minor injuries. [1]
4. Don’t Forget Key Moments
- Wash after using the bathroom, changing diapers, handling garbage, or touching pets. These moments are high-risk for germ transmission. [1]
HYGIENE SAFETY REMINDER
Clean hands save lives. Handwashing is a simple, fast, and highly effective way to stay healthy and prevent the spread of disease — at home, at work, and everywhere in between.