As an employer in Dubai, you may be legally bound to provide a safe work environment to your employees. More than a legal responsibility, it is actually a necessity. To get the best out of your employees, it is essential to provide a safe working atmosphere, as it is conducive to productivity.
Providing a safe work environment means making sure your employees feel safe in your building. Even from pests! Unfortunately, most offices pay little heed to pest management resulting in their employees calling in sick often. And this comes despite the fact that there are so many companies providing professional pest control and disinfection services in Dubai.
The problem with a pest infestation in an office is not limited to the employees alone; it affects you, your reputation and, at the end of the day – your profits. It could deter your clients from visiting your office and even doing business with your company.
But how do pests find their way inside your office building?
Pests have so many entry points to come to your office, and it’s not just the bathroom sink. Bedbugs, ants, mosquitoes and other vectors can take rides on an employee or any visitor coming to your office. They come and settle down without anybody knowing! You won’t believe it but termites not only enter through structural cracks but can be present in the cardboard boxes that you store away after an incoming delivery. In short, pests don’t need any entry point like an open window or an open doorway to sneak in, they just find their own way inside.
But, sometimes pests can be a blessing in disguise. They show you areas that need your attention. For instance, pests like cockroaches and rodents appear only when there are cracks or gaps in the building foundation and lapses in hygiene. So, if you spot them, you can conclude that your office needs some maintenance and a better hygiene policy in place.
So, what if pests get in?
If they succeed in getting in, your office will provide everything that they need such as food, shelter and water. Also, since you don’t stay overnight they can make merry without any fear. If you choose to ignore them and let them have their own way, you are going to face some serious threats in the near future.
Threat of diseases:
Cockroaches, flies, and rodents carry pathogens in their body and excreta. Direct or indirect contact with these pathogens can put you and your employees at a high health risk. One can experience itching to allergic reactions and even fall victim to life-threatening diseases like salmonellosis and hantavirus.
Threat of food contamination:
Untreated pest infestations can easily escalate into serious complications such as food contamination. Pest contamination of food can occur in many ways, by direct transmission of bacteria and cross-contamination, which can lead to food poisoning.
If you are running a restaurant, this even has more serious implications, even resulting in the closure of your business.
Threat to the buildings:
Pests come in search of food and shelter. If they succeed in getting hold of these two, they thrive in your place. Rodents have a habit of gnawing not just food but things like electric wires, internet cables, plastic bottles and PVC pipes. Similarly, termites can destroy wood panels, partition boards, and furniture. Allowing pests to live in your office will soon leave you with a hefty repair bill.
Threat to safety:
Pests can put everyone’s life in danger. There are several reports of buildings catching fire due to rodents. They chew through electrical cables running the risk of short circuit and even fire. Similarly, termites also pose safety threats. If you ignore termite infestation, chances are that the wood structure of your building can collapse in the long run.
If you happen to see these threats looming over your office, you should give us a call right away.