Enhanced cleaning methods can help improve the number of preventable workplace deaths and injuries.
The Impact of Enhanced Cleaning on Workplace Safety
By keeping work areas clean and free of hazards, employers can help reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls, as well as exposure to harmful chemicals and substances.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety;
Good housekeeping is the first and the most important (fundamental) level of preventing falls due to slips and trips.
It includes:
Cleaning all spills immediately.
Marking spills and wet areas.
Mopping or sweeping debris from floors.
Removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping walkways free of clutter.
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Without good housekeeping practices, any other preventive measures such as installation of sophisticated flooring, specialty footwear or training on techniques of walking and safe falling will never be fully effective. [1]
Additionally, regular cleaning can help remove bacteria and other pathogens that can cause illness, further reducing the risk of workplace injuries and deaths. [2]
Slips, trips, and falls
Wet floors, cluttered walkways, and other hazards can lead to slips, trips, and falls, which are a leading cause of workplace injuries.
You can slip when you lose your footing, you can trip when you catch your foot on or in something, and you fall when you come down suddenly.
Spills, ice, snow, rain, loose mats, rugs, and stepladders are some of the common causes of slips, trips, and falls.
In addition, poor lighting and clutter can cause injuries such as sprains, strains, bruises, bumps, fractures, scratches, and cuts. [3]
By keeping work areas clean and free of hazards, employers can help reduce the risk of these accidents.
Exposure to harmful chemicals and substances
Many workplaces use chemicals and other substances that can harm workers' health.
By regularly cleaning work areas and removing these hazards, employers can help to reduce the risk of exposure and the associated health problems.
Spread of disease
Bacteria and other pathogens can survive several weeks outside a host and spread rapidly in the workplace if left unchecked.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
Germs that are found on the body, in the air, and in stool can often be found on dry surfaces.
This includes high-touch surfaces like bed rails, door handles, light switches, and keyboards.
Many of the germs that live on dry surfaces can live for a very long time – days or even weeks. [4]
By regularly cleaning work areas, employers can help to reduce the spread of disease and associated illnesses.
References
- CCOHS. (2016). Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls. Ccohs.ca. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/falls.html
- Medline Plus. (2020, November 18). Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/cleaningdisinfectingandsanitizing.html
- Slips. Trips, and Falls | NIOSH | CDC. (2020, February 24). Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/retail/slips.html
- CDC. (2022, March 11). Learn where germs live in the healthcare environment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/projectfirstline/healthcare/germs-environment.html
Takeaway
Enhanced cleaning methods can also help improve workplace safety in several other ways.
For example, clean work areas are often more organized and efficient, which can help to reduce stress and fatigue among workers.
Further, clean work areas can create a more positive and productive work environment, increasing employee morale and productivity.
Overall, enhanced cleaning methods can be valuable for improving workplace safety and reducing the risk of preventable injuries and deaths.
Employers can help create a safer and healthier work environment for their employees by keeping work areas clean and free of hazards.
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