GOOD HOUSEKEEPING IS GOOD SAFETY

The above picture was taken by one of our staff while dining at a Portillo's in Avon, Indiana. Housekeeping is more than just clean floors and surfaces and removing dust and clutter. Good housekeeping helps prevent injuries and improves productivity and morale in the workplace.

According to the article, Benefits of Good Housekeeping Practices, published by https://www.osha.gov, good housekeeping is not just about cleanliness; it lays the basic foundation for accident and fire prevention. It requires attention to details, such as the layout of the worksite or facility, identification and marking of physical hazards, ensuring the adequate number of storage facilities, and routine maintenance. 

Many benefits that can be gained when implementing good workplace housekeeping:

Improved Worker Safety

• Fewer trip and slip incidents where walkways and working surfaces are free of clutter and spills.

• Decreased fire hazards as a result of the reduction or elimination of waste, dust, debris, and other flammable materials.

• Reduced number of workers being struck by objects through organized and careful storage of materials, tools, and equipment.

• Fewer worker injuries as a result of defective or malfunctioning parts through timely maintenance of machinery, equipment, or systems.

Improved Worker Health

• Reduced worker exposure to hazardous substances, such as dust and vapor buildup, by following a regular cleaning schedule.

• Improved working conditions and worker health through regular servicing, cleaning, and supplying sanitation facilities.

Increased Worker Productivity/Reduced Costs

• Safe work environments lead to healthier workers, higher worker morale, and increased productivity.

• Workplace cleanup and maintenance, including worker training, will ensure better control over tools and materials as well as the inventory of supplies.

• Tidy and clean work areas allow for more effective use of space.

• Improved preventive maintenance can reduce property damage.

• Increased worker participation in general housekeeping helps reduce the workload and cost of janitorial staff.

To read this article in its entirety, please visit OSHA.GOV/Benefits of Good Housekeeping Pratices. 

For more information on Workplace Safety and Training Solutions, check out our
Safety and OSHA Training section! 

Make sure to join us on the second Tuesday of each month for our monthly Safety Facts and Snacks.  For more information on the schedule of events and registration, 
visit Safety Facts and Snacks.

04/12/19