Global Handwashing Day Underscores the Power of Prevention
Observed each year on October 15, Global Handwashing Day reminds safety professionals and employees that proper hand hygiene remains one of the simplest, most effective defenses against illness in the workplace.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Oct 14, 2025
Each year, Global Handwashing Day draws attention to one of the simplest yet most effective workplace and public health practices—washing hands with soap and water. Observed annually on October 15, the event highlights the critical role that consistent hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in both community and occupational settings.
According to the Global Handwashing Partnership, handwashing at key times—such as after using the restroom, before handling food, or after caring for someone who is ill—can reduce diarrheal disease by nearly 50 percent and acute respiratory infections by almost 25 percent. These preventive measures are especially vital for protecting young children and frontline workers who face regular exposure to germs and contaminants.
Medical experts emphasize that soap and water remain the gold standard for infection prevention, particularly against norovirus, one of the most contagious and difficult-to-control pathogens. Unlike alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which do not work against norovirus, thorough handwashing for at least 20 seconds effectively removes and rinses away viral particles.
“Handwashing, using soap and warm water, is an easy and effective way to reduce the spread of disease-causing organisms like norovirus,” said Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., medical microbiologist and professor emeritus at Saint Joseph’s University. “Given the ease with which some of these organisms can spread on solid surfaces, in food, and by contact, handwashing is something everyone should do after activities like using the restroom.”
For 16 years, Bradley’s Healthy Handwashing Survey™ has monitored Americans’ hygiene habits. The 2025 findings show encouraging trends—but also ongoing gaps. While 93 percent of Americans say handwashing is vital to maintaining health, only 81 percent report always washing their hands after using a public restroom. Nearly half admit to occasionally rinsing with only water, and men are less consistent than women when it comes to using soap. Eighty-four percent of respondents said a dirty restroom negatively affects their perception of a business, reinforcing that clean, well-stocked facilities play a major role in supporting hygiene compliance.
“This year’s theme, Clean Hands Are Within Reach, reinforces that handwashing is both a personal responsibility and a collective health priority,” said Jon Dommisse, vice president of business development and strategy for Bradley. “Our survey confirms that people believe in the importance of handwashing, but they also need clean, functional restrooms that make it easy to follow through. Global Handwashing Day reminds employers, facility managers, and safety professionals to ensure soap and water are accessible in every workplace.”
As respiratory illness season approaches, safety leaders are reminded that hand hygiene remains one of the most effective, low-cost controls available. Ensuring that restrooms, break areas, and shared workspaces are well-maintained and stocked with soap and paper towels reinforces the foundation of every safety culture—protecting people through prevention.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.