The tactics to build an effective and enduring handwash monitoring program are directly determined by its parent-strategy of adding handwash monitoring to the brand-protection bundle. The toolbox is loaded first with risk-assessment options geared to setting standards. Optimizing the equipment and supplies is followed by setting the conditions for success. Training tools lead to monitoring and verification resources.
Implementing the Complete
5-Step HandsOn™ Process will Guide to Success
1: Risk Assessment
Identify and verbalize the risk of the unwashed hand. Rank surfaces at the highest risk for cross-contamination.
2: Setting Standards
Establish clear standards for individual and team level success.
3: Optimize Conditions For Success
Ensure the Conditions for Success are in place before training. If compliance isn’t convenient and isn’t user friendly, it isn’t done.
4: Train & Motivate
Convert to a culture of cleanliness. This step introduces best practice tools, techniques, and materials to motivate behavior change.
5: Monitor & Verify
What gets measured and rewarded gets done. Rewarding the good and disciplining the less-than acceptable behaviors are key to sustainability.
Handwash monitoring by observation has been an important component in understanding employee handwash behaviors but it is not a stand-alone solution to motivating more handwashing. Handwashing rates in most of the foodservice industry are less than desired by the operators themselves. It is commonly 30% of what their food safety professionals consider a safe level. Years of under-washing can be remedied with good management skills together with the help from a choice of today’s electronic data gathering technologies. Five different solutions are presented on a performance-comparative matrix. All provide good decision making information and create opportunities to reward the good washers as well as their managers who motivate them.
