In the workplace, housekeeping is more than simple floor cleaning, dust removal, and organizing clutter. Housekeeping is crucial to having a safe work environment, helping prevent injuries, improve productivity and morale, and making a positive impression on visitors. This practice goes beyond the traditional office rooms to industrial workplaces, like warehouses and factories, where good housekeeping is more of a challenge with hazardous and flammable materials. Experts say that all workplace safety programs should include housekeeping and that all employees play a part. Here are some tips on good housekeeping:
- Prevent Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Keep floors clean and dry
- Make sure drainage is present where “wet processes” occur
- Report and clean up spills and leaks
- Keep aisles and exits clear
- Consider using mirrors and caution signs for blind spots
- Eliminate Fire Hazards
- Keep only necessary amounts of combustible materials in your area
- Store quick burning, flammable materials in designated areas
- Avoid contaminating clothes with flammable liquids
- Hazards in electrical areas should be reported and fixed
- Control Dust
- Never use just a shop vac or dry sweep dust
- Use wet methods or a high efficiency vacuum
- Avoid Tracking Material
- Work-area mats should be kept clean and maintained to avoid spreading hazardous materials
- Seperate cleaning protocols might be needed for different areas to avoid cross-contamination
- If working with toxic materials, do not wear the same clothes home
- Prevent Falling Objects
- Use a toe board, toe rail, or net
- Stack boxes and other materials straight up
- Keep heavy objects on the lowest shelf
- Clear Clutter
- Keep aisles, stairways, emergency exits, electrical panels, and doors free of clutter
- Purge untidy areas and empty trash receptacles
- Store Items Properly
- Store unused materials and equipment out of the way of workers
- Avoid using workspace for storage
- Put everything back where it belongs after use
- Use and Inspect Personal Protective Equipment and Tools
- Wear basic PPE when performing house cleaning
- Regularly inspect, clean, and fix tools
- Remove any damaged tools from the work area
- Determine Frequency
- All workers should inspect, and clean their workspace and remove unused materials
- Companies should have a mixture between deep cleaning and frequent, light cleaning (i.e. sweeping and cleaning up spills)
- Create Written Rules
- Written protocol should specify which cleaners, tools and methods should be used
- Written protocols make the workplace more efficient so that people are aware of and know the proper procedures
- Think Long-Term
- Maintain a regular walkthrough inspection schedule
- Keep records, report hazards and train employees to help sustain housekeeping
Want more tips? Click here to read more about 11 Tips for Effective Workplace Housekeeping.