Choose the Right Lanyard to Avoid Spreading Germs!
Our customers often spend quite a bit of time reviewing their options when they design their security badges. They think about whether to use PVC card stock or invest in composite materials. They mull over the differences between using direct to card printing versus retransfer techniques.
But then, having done their due diligence in selecting the right type of badge and the ideal equipment to produce it, the accessories to go with the cards can be an afterthought. Breezing through your add-ons is unfortunate because the right choices can ensure that your staff display their cards correctly. That makes a big difference in keeping your site safe and healthy.
One of the best examples of this is choosing the right lanyard. Lanyards are the cords or straps that employees and visitors wear around their necks to display their badges on their chests.
There are two broad kinds of lanyards. Some are made from fabric, while others consist of vinyl. During this pandemic, the problem with fabric lanyards is that they collect and spread germs as employees move around the site.
Laundering a cloth lanyard will sanitize it, but let’s be real. Who gets around to doing that? It never once crosses most employees’ minds to wash the lanyard hooked to their work badge. The chances are that a fabric lanyard will never see a washing machine in its entire useful life.
Vinyl is Effortless to Sanitize!
That’s why vinyl lanyards can help support your efforts to boost sanitary procedures at your facility. Vinyl is much less absorbent than fabric, and it’s effortless to sanitize.
All staff have to do is take some of the hand sanitizer they should be using already and rub it over the vinyl lanyard. You might have to get employee communications to send out a reminder about this once in a while. Even so, it’s a quick and effective way to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus or any other nasty bugs that might be going around.
Not only can vinyl lanyards make your environment healthier, but they can also improve employee safety. Some facilities shy away from lanyards because they’re afraid of choking risks.
Employees may be working with large equipment or heavy machinery where a lanyard might get caught in the works. Other workplaces may put lanyards on young children in their care. Frontline workers with patients or vulnerable people may be at risk of assault.
The wrong type of lanyard might make them a target for an attacker. This risk might discourage them from complying with your organization’s protocols for displaying identity badges.
Manufacturers offer vinyl lanyards that mitigate that risk. You can choose a lanyard design that includes one or more breakaway points. Breakaway lanyards have small connectors on the strap that will come apart if it gets yanked by something (or someone). There can be one or several of these connectors built-in.
Vinyl Lanyards are Easy to Print On!
Vinyl lanyards are also easy to print on. That enables you to incorporate your brand’s visual identity into the lanyard’s design. Elaborate printing makes it harder for intruders to counterfeit your security credentials.
Our customers also find that lanyards that display your company’s trademark improve employees’ sense of belonging and morale. You can also print a standard health and safety reminder on vinyl lanyards, such as “Stay safe!” or “Social Distancing Saves Lives!” or “Sanitize Me!” The text you choose is up to you and your communications team.
You’ve devoted substantial time and effort to choose just the right printer and card stock to meet your facility’s needs. It would be a pity to have your choices fall short of their full potential by choosing sub-optimal accessories to go with them.
When it comes to infection control and safety, vinyl breakaway lanyards are often a sound choice. Of course, our team at Groove Identification Solutions is always available to support you.
We can work with you to find the ideal lanyard design to meet your needs. We’re happy to review your options and help you choose a lanyard model that will support your employees’ health and safety.
If you’re planning your badge accessories, we’d love to hear about the choices you’re considering or answer any questions you may have.
