From an early age, we learn it is polite to pick up after ourselves, and while this is common practice at home, it should also be reflected in the workplace. It’s not only distracting to work in a cluttered environment, but it can also be hazardous. From tools left in the wrong place to spills left on the ground, poor housekeeping can put yourself and your colleagues at risk.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips, and falls are the second highest cause of fatalities next to motor vehicle accidents. These types of injuries can be a result of poor housekeeping, so it is important to implement an effective housekeeping plan for your facility. Occupational Health & Safety Magazine recommends these five steps to a safer worksite:
Causes may include:
Once you understand the nature of the potential hazards, develop a strategy to eliminate these problems. The plan may involve:
To put the housekeeping plan into action, employers should have mandatory training programs for all employees that give a clear picture of the end goal.
Good housekeeping can not only keep everyone safe but also boost morale and productivity, making for a more pleasant work environment.
Find out what motivates your employees to adhere to housekeeping plans and create recognition or reward programs around those factors.
Be sure to reward and recognize employees that are honest about slip, trip, and fall injuries or near misses and those who come up with ideas to improve safety.
If you only reward those who have had an accident-free year or quarter, it might lead to under-reporting.
A good housekeeping plan continually evolves. Schedule regular reviews of the work site to assess whether your current plan is covering all the bases and how well employees are adhering to the plan.
Also, remember to organize periodic refresher training programs and keep employees involved in safety-promoting activities. This will help them remain alert to hazards and get the message that good housekeeping and a culture of safety is a true priority for the company.
Employee safety should be central to your organization’s mission. Cleaning up after a project, storing materials in their proper places or salting an icy walkway are all examples that contribute to that ultimate goal. Good housekeeping practices can save time, money and space, while also improving productivity, quality and, most importantly, safety.