When should employees wash their hands according to workplace health standards?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of handwashing in maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of germs, particularly in a workplace setting where food handling may be involved. According to workplace health standards, employees should wash their hands before returning to work after using the bathroom to minimize the risk of contaminating surfaces, food, and other employees.

In environments where food is prepared or handled, washing hands before and after handling food is also critical to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illnesses. Therefore, while there is merit in the focus on handwashing after using the bathroom, handwashing practices are broader and more comprehensive across various situations to maintain overall health standards.

The notion of washing hands only after returning from lunch fails to recognize the necessity of regular hygiene practices, while washing hands only when dirty does not meet public health guidelines that dictate specific instances when handwashing is essential.