Workplace safety involves a spectrum of topics, ranging from employee training to emergency procedures. A key, though often unconsidered, component of workplace safety is the physical state of the workplace itself. No matter what the nature of the work, a lack of daily upkeep and cleanliness can present a serious barrier to the safety of a particular workplace and indicate deeper underlying safety concerns.
Good housekeeping is not just a magazine for women, nor is it just a phrase thought up by nagging mothers. In fact, good housekeeping isn’t really even just about the practice of general cleanliness; it is actually a fundamental aspect of both accident prevention and fire safety. A variety of accidents can result from poor housekeeping practices, ranging from mild to very serious – and while it cannot be said that good housekeeping practices will completely eliminate the potential for accidents, it can be assured that the potential for such accidents will be greatly reduced.
Some of the typical accidents that occur in a messy workplace include: injury or death from tripping or falling over loose objects; injury or death after being struck by an object that has been put away incorrectly; injury or death from slipping on wet, greasy or slick surfaces; and injury or death caused by a fire resulting from the improper handling of combustible materials. These are just a few examples, and the list can go on and on; however, the point is that if greater focus is placed on maintaining a safe and sanitary workplace, such accidents could be avoided – and potentially eliminated altogether.
To compose a list of good housekeeping practices might seem like pointing out the obvious, yet it is often a necessary part of ensuring the most efficient and safe working environment possible. Depending on the nature of the workplace, it may be necessary to establish very thorough procedures for daily maintenance and upkeep. For example, in a company that handles various types of toxic chemicals, there should of course be stringent procedures for all aspects of transporting and handling the chemicals, not to mention cleaning up the facility. On the other hand, in a company where all employees sit at a computer all day and don’t really use any potentially dangerous substances or objects, housekeeping practices will be much looser, requiring more simplistic cleaning procedures.
As in any situation, messes will inevitably and understandably occur in the workplace, and it is wise to pick up the mess sooner rather than later. Of course, it may seem easier to leave a mess until the end of the shift, but that leaves more potential for accidents to occur, not to mention the fact that it also provides more opportunity for the mess to get forgotten entirely, thereby increasing the accident potential even further. As well, it is easier to avoid messes if the environment is maintained in a tidy manner as a rule; organize and arrange operations, tools, equipment and supplies in a manner that encourages safe practices. As well, monitor the state of seemingly ‘out-of-the-way’ places such as shelves, storage rooms, and boiler rooms.
While a lot of these suggestions may seem obvious and oft-repeated, there are a surprising amount of accidents that arise from simple ignorance. High traffic areas such as aisles and stairways should be kept clear and clean of debris and obstacles, and should be wide and well-lit enough that people and objects can move safely. Waste disposal should be considered and procedures should be established for the collection, sorting and eventual disposal of any waste products, not to mention the fact that waste receptacles should be readily available and clearly marked for various purposes (recycling, etc.). Any staff facilities must also be clean, well-maintained, and adequate for their intended purpose. If the workplace involves hazardous materials, adequate washing and changing stations should be available to avoid employees wearing contaminated clothing outside of the workplace.
The point is that regardless of the particular working environment, there must be some care and consideration given to establishing and maintaining a more orderly, cleaner, and therefore, safer workplace. Employees should take measures to ensure that they know how to safely handle, use, clean and store any products that are used, and they should consider the safety of others in their individual work practices as well; for example, reporting unusual conditions and warning co-workers of potentially unsafe conditions. Each individual within a company should do their part, no matter how small, to contribute to the overall state of cleanliness in the workplace – thereby contributing to the safety of the workplace and protecting the health, or even the lives, of one’s co-workers.
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