21 Jun Housekeeping at Work

Housekeeping at Work

Good housekeeping is more than keeping the workplace looking neat. It is an important part of accident prevention, fire prevention, productivity, and maintaining a professional work environment.

Poor housekeeping can create hazards that lead to slips, trips, falls, cuts, struck-by injuries, fires, and damaged equipment or materials. A cluttered workplace can also make it harder to locate the correct tools, safely move materials, and respond quickly during an emergency.

Consequences of Poor Housekeeping

Poor housekeeping can contribute to:

• Slips, trips, and falls caused by debris, tools, cords, materials, or spills.
• Cuts and puncture wounds from protruding nails, sharp objects, and improperly discarded materials.
• Struck-by injuries caused by unstable or improperly stored materials.
• Fires resulting from accumulation or improper disposal of combustible or flammable materials.
• Blocked exits, walkways, electrical panels, fire extinguishers, and emergency equipment.
• Damaged tools, equipment, and materials.
• Lost productivity from searching for tools or maneuvering around clutter.
• Reduced quality of work and an unprofessional jobsite appearance.

Good Housekeeping Practices

Housekeeping is everyone’s responsibility and should be maintained throughout the workday, not simply performed at the end of the shift.

• Clean up as you work and dispose of trash, scrap, and debris in designated containers.
• Keep floors, platforms, aisles, stairs, landings, entrances, exits, and walkways clear.
• Immediately clean up water, oil, grease, and other spills. If a hazard cannot be corrected immediately, barricade or otherwise protect the area.
• Route electrical cords, welding leads, hoses, and similar equipment away from walkways whenever possible.
• Return tools and equipment to their designated storage locations after use.
• Remove protruding nails from scrap lumber or bend them over to prevent puncture injuries.
• Stack and store materials securely so they cannot slide, roll, tip, or collapse.
• Keep combustible waste and flammable materials in appropriate containers and storage areas.
• Do not allow trash or combustible materials to accumulate.
• Keep access to fire extinguishers, emergency equipment, electrical panels, and exits unobstructed.
• Report housekeeping hazards that cannot be immediately corrected to your supervisor.

Think Before You Walk Away

Before leaving an area, ask yourself:

• Did I leave anything that someone could trip over?
• Are tools and materials properly stored?
• Are cords and hoses safely routed?
• Did I clean up spills and debris?
• Are walkways, stairs, and exits clear?
• Could anything fall, roll, or shift?
• Are combustible materials and waste properly stored or disposed of?

If the answer identifies a hazard, correct it before leaving the area.

Remember

A clean workplace is generally a safer and more productive workplace. Do not walk past a housekeeping hazard because someone else created it. Correct hazards when you can, report those you cannot, and leave your work area safe for the next person.