The annual Hygiene Matters report conducted by SCA, manufacturer of Tork, aims to raise awareness of the connection between hygiene, health and wellbeing among decision makers, experts and the general public around the world. In 2011 the report’s focus is on women and hygiene, and how it is managed outside of the home and in social siutations, clearly demonstrating the importance of good hygiene solutions in public places.
As revealed in the report, a staggering 60 percent of respondents have refrained from public activities in the past year because of their concern over lack of hygiene. Statistics show that 47.9 percent refrain from using a public toilet, 24 percent avoid showering or swimming at a public gym, and 12.1 percent will steer clear of visiting a cafe, pub or restaurant, followed closely by 10.1 percent who won’t travel on public transport. All due to hygiene related issues.
According to the report, when away from home, our hygiene needs are at the very forefront of our concern. We travel by public transport, we eat with our hands at fast food restaurants and we shake 10 people’s hand at a business meeting. It is during such occasions that, the statistics emphasise, we should consider the importance of basic hygiene requirements, like washing hands with soap and drying them with a single-use paper towel.
Although everyone who works professionally with hygiene has a responsibility to raise standards and improve people’s health, the global survey showed 39 percent believe that individuals taking greater personal repsonsiblitiy would make the greatest difference for raising hygiene standards and improving health. Meanwhile, 30 percent believe improved standards of hygiene in public places and public toilets would also have a substantial and positive impact.
Overall, the global survey shows that a combination of individual responsibility and improved standards of hygiene in public places and public toilets are’ the most important measures to make the greatest difference in raising standards of hygiene’ across the globe.