The widespread concern over the Swine Flu, otherwise known as the H1N1 virus, is triggering a greater emphasis on routine handwashing. And I’m sure many of you on the front lines of portable sanitation are seeing the signs of the efforts to stop the transmission of germs.
I received a call from a portable restroom operator recently, and he explained how the specter of a serious flu pandemic has affected his business this year. More customers are ordering hand-wash sinks with their restroom orders. The sinks are running out of water much faster than they used to. Use of hand sanitizers mounted in all of the company’s units is up.
The concern has meant stepped-up inspections of equipment on site to make sure the public has the sanitation tools within reach at all times, according to the PRO I talked to. Hauling freshwater and restocking sanitizers is now more critical to customer satisfaction.
It used to be that handwashing wasn’t a priority for everyone, the PRO noted. Some restroom users would hit the sinks or sanitizers and others would walk on by. But users don’t feel like they can afford an indifferent attitude toward sanitation anymore. If a potential flu outbreak can change the poor sanitation habits of many people, it might be the only bright spot to come from a dreadful illness.
We as an industry can play an important role in continual improvement of sanitary conditions to help fight off what could be a significant outbreak. Through our diligence on several fronts, we can be part of the solution to a huge public safety dilemma. Because PROs live with the threat of germ transmission every day, you have a strong understanding of the task at hand. And you could say that effective service is a matter of pride more now than ever before.
Here are a few ideas on how to get started with an information campaign and to improve our readiness when customers demand more hand-washing services.
Talk to customers about enhanced needs.
The PRO I mentioned earlier said his company made hand sanitizers standard equipment on every restroom in the mid-1990s. In light of current concerns, that was a forward-thinking decision. If your company has not added sanitizers to every unit, maybe now is the time to consider that move. Sure, it’s easier said than done, and sanitizers cost money to install, and constant monitoring and filling the dispensers can cut into your unit profitability. But there are other considerations.
First, can you use the standard sanitizers as a selling point to win contracts over your competitors? If they allow you to get a few more units placed every week, the hand sanitizers will pay for themselves in added revenue. Secondly, can you use the standard sanitizers as a way to raise your fees by a few dollars? Where customers might not have cared to pay a little more for the added service in the past, go back and ask them if sanitizers are a worthwhile idea today as we brace for the flu season.
Add safety signage to your units.
If you’re adding hand sanitizers and placing more sinks on construction sites and at special events, boost their effectiveness by adding stickers that remind restroom users to wash or sanitize their hands. These stickers can be a minor cost and provide a valuable public service. And they may enhance the reputation of the portable sanitation industry as a whole. How many people still turn up their noses at the prospect of using a portable restroom? If they see stickers that indicate that units are cleaned and sanitized frequently, and reminding all users to follow basic sanitary rules, these users may feel more assured about their decision to use a portable restroom.
Talk to your employees about heightened awareness.
There’s no point in preaching the benefits of careful sanitation to the public if your employees don’t reinforce the message through their actions. Now might be a great time to hold a few safety meetings with employees to drive home the point that they are helping themselves, their families, the company and the general public when they follow best cleanliness practices.
If they don’t provide their best service on every unit, technicians could be helping to spread sanitation hazards. Review their service procedures, make sure they have adequate protection through gloves, safety goggles and first-aid kits on the truck. Perform spot checks to make sure they’re following company safety procedures.
Are you doing enough to safeguard yourself and your employees from exposure to germs? The PRO I chatted with said he would like to ask others if they’ve found a way to mount a hand sanitizer inside the service trucks so drivers could immediately clean their hands after a service stop. If you have found a good place to mount a sanitizer for drivers, please e-mail me with the details and I can share it with other contractors here in PRO.
Make sure you’re well stocked with proper equipment.
Many contractors may say it’s a tough time to spend money to build their inventory of equipment, but when customers demand more sanitation services, you need to be able to respond. If the flu outbreak comes, are you adequately stocked with sanitizer units and packs to replenish them? Could you use a few more standalone or in-unit sinks? Is all of your sanitation equipment in good working order? The best time to place an order isn’t going to be when a rush of requests come in because many people have fallen ill.
A FINAL WORD
Your experience and advice is incredibly valuable and can help us all deal with this impending health threat. If you have ideas or insights to share about promoting better sanitation to customers, the general public or your workers, send them to me and I’ll share them in an upcoming issue of PRO. Or go online now at www.promonthly.com and start a conversation at the PRO Online Discussion Forum. I’ll join you there!
