The Science: Customers

At-Risk Customers

Unfortunately, as the pathogens mutate to resist our efforts, they get stronger and our immune systems become less effective with age, medical conditions and more frequent exposure.

• Twenty percent of the North American population falls into the highly vulnerable category with this percentage growing each year as our population ages.
• Global travel creates the opportunity for new pathogens to move rapidly across natural borders.
• The over 50 and traveling segments of population represent a high percentage of away from home dining (what is your share of at risk customers?).

Risk Approximations Based on At-Risk Customers

Are you serving an average At-Risk customer mix? Or perhaps you have a disproportionate level of seniors, children or pregnant women?

Use this worksheet to estimate your percentage of at-risk customers. Include an estimate for any carry-out/at-home diners which often include the oldest and youngest members of a household.

Jim Mann demonstrates the use of this tool to assess risk based on handwashing frequency:

Use this chart to review, discuss, agree and factor into your handwashing frequency standards.

Download Large (Tabloid) or Small (Letter) PDF.

Handwashing Frequency Can Lower Risk

This curve is designed to initially facilitate a discussion on the risk level related to current hand hygiene behaviors. It calls for estimating the level of acceptable risk and a pure guess on risk emanating from current handwashing compliance rates, measured in Handwashes per Employee Hour (H/EH).

The two spots are marked on the graph. If there is an unacceptable difference between the two, a baseline study is suggested by placing counters in the soap dispensers.