As part of our Infection Protection initiative for October – December 2006, we have developed a contest called, “Match the Facts”. The aim is for employees to identify how germs are spread and what can be done to reduce the risk of infection. Contest answers are provided on page two of this Information Sheet. For contest participants, answers can be found in the 2006 Fall edition of the HealthIssues newsletter or online at www.wechealthunit.org/workplace-health/newsletters.

If you require additional support materials (e.g. posters, ballot boxes) or if you have any questions, please contact Meghan Toews at 258-2146 x 3100 or workplace@wechealthunit.org.

Purpose of this Contest

The aim of this contest is to raise employee awareness about how to reduce the risk of infection by spreading germs. 

Support Materials

• HealthIssues newsletter
• Match the Facts Contest ballot (white copies for photocopying)
•  Poster to promote the contest in your workplace with space allocated for writing contest details
   (e.g. date of contest, where to pick up and drop off participation forms, prizes to be won)
• Ballot boxes for employees to use to enter the contest (with space to note contest details)
• Prizes: Food Cooking Thermometers (if you are running this contest between October and December 2006, we can provide these prizes for use in your workplace).

Promoting the Contest

In addition to the display materials provided, you may want to consider other ways of communicating contest details to employees. Consider attaching a ballot to employees’ pay stubs so that every employee has the opportunity to participate, or sending out e-mail or voice mail messages. Here are two sample messages for you to use:

#1 Sample e-mail/voice mail/pay stub message:
As part of our workplace Infection Protection initiative, we are offering you the opportunity to win some great prizes by entering a contest in which you are asked to match the facts about spreading germs. To enter this contest, pick up an entry form at ______________, complete one or all three puzzles and then deposit your form into the contest ballot box. Prizes to be won include:  ______________. The deadline to enter is ___________.

#2 Sample e-mail/voice mail/pay stub message:
The deadline to enter the Infection Protection contest is fast approaching. For your chance to win, pick up the entry form at _______________________, complete one or all three puzzles and then deposit the form at _________________.  The contest closes on _________________.

If you are running this contest at a time other than October to December 2006, consider offering prizes to encourage participation. Some suggestions include cooking thermometers, cutting boards, and hand sanitizers.

Answer Key to “Match the Facts” Contest

How are these germs commonly spread?

Sneezing and coughing:  Influenza, Chicken Pox
Meat not cooked:  Salmonella
Unprotected sex:  Hepatitis B, Chlamydia
Dirty, unwashed hands:  Influenza, Salmonella, Chicken pox

What can you do?

Cook meat: Salmonella
Get vaccinated: Influenza, Hepatitis B, and Chicken pox
Wash hands properly: Influenza, Salmonella, Chicken pox
Disinfect cutting board: Salmonella
Use a condom: Hepatitis B, Chlamydia
Sneeze and cough into you arm:  Influenza, Chicken Pox

Bonus Question

Q:  What else can you do to decrease the risk of getting sick from these germs?

A:   One of the following: healthy eating habits, active living, adequate sleep, stress management,  healthy living,