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Computer users who habitually eat lunch at their desks are being warned that their keyboards could harbour more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat.

Liverpool-based workplace health organisation Health@Work says the average office keyboard can play host to a range of illness-inducing bacteria, such as E. Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. Both of these, when present in sufficient quantities, can cause a number of problems, including nausea and vomiting, impetigo, and even kidney failure.

Computer keyboards can be a major health risk. In fact, it is such an issue now that companies are developing dishwasher-safe, antibacterial keyboards to combat the problem. These are a great idea but they are primarily used in the health sector so may not be available to all employees, which is why care should be taken to ensure desktops are clean.

One way to avoid the problem is to encourage employees to give their keyboards a spring clean. Firstly, shake out dust and crumbs, then wipe down with a soft, lightly dampened, lint-free cloth. Follow this with a wipe-down with an alcoholic wipe.

Staff should also be encouraged not to eat at their desks and to use the office canteen or staff room, if available, or eat out, where possible. The problem is compounded by poor hygiene, so reminders in office bathrooms about the importance of washing your hands after a visit to the loo, are also advisable.

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