Best Practice???

Rethinking Handwashing Signs: A Small Change with Big Impacts

Just because something has become the "norm" doesn’t mean it’s the best approach or even makes the most sense. Consider, for example, the ubiquitous sign in restrooms (typically restaurant establishments) instructing employees to wash their hands. These signs are almost always affixed to the wall or mirror directly above the wash basin.

The Problem with Current Placement

When employees are in front of the sink reading the sign, they are already likely washing their hands or are in the process of doing so - unless they are merely preening in the mirror and ignoring hygiene altogether. This makes the sign’s message redundant at best and ineffective at worst. The goal should be to reach those who are leaving the restroom without washing their hands—individuals who may not even approach the sink. As such, the current placement fails to address the behavior it is designed to influence.

A Better Solution

To improve visibility and improve odds of compliance, handwashing signs should be placed at eye level near the restroom’s exit door, ideally between the handle and average eye height. This increases the chances that employees who may be skipping the sink see the reminder before exiting. Such a placement could nudge individuals toward better hygiene practices at the exact moment they need to make the decision.

Broader Implications

This small adjustment in sign placement highlights a larger issue: the tendency to follow outdated norms without questioning their efficacy. This mindset often permeates not only workplace policies but also public health regulations and general business practices. By rethinking standard procedures, we can uncover opportunities to improve outcomes with minimal disruption.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, questioning the "norm" is about fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Small adjustments, like moving a handwashing sign, can lead to significant benefits. In the case of hygiene, such changes could reduce illness, improve public perception, and even save lives. By rethinking established practices, we can not only enhance individual policies but also set a precedent for challenging the status quo across all industries.

Let’s use the handwashing sign as a reminder—not just to clean our hands but to clear our minds of outdated "best practices".

Do you agree with this suggestion? If so, I encourage you to share it with doctors or public health professionals who could help advocate for a change in policy.

Now, imagine this: A restaurant owner chooses to place the handwashing sign on the door, believing it is a more logical placement, even though the law requires it on the mirror above the sink. The result? A $2,000 fine from a public official who, ironically, agrees the door placement is makes more sense. To fight for change, the owner would face a long, costly battle with limited impact. Can't there be a less burdensome & quicker way to implement reasonable improvements?"