10 May Safe Housekeeping – Preventing Workplace Hazards

Safe Housekeeping – Preventing Workplace Hazards

Safe housekeeping is an essential part of preventing workplace injuries. A clean, orderly work area reduces slip, trip, and fall hazards, improves access to tools and equipment, helps prevent fires, and allows employees to work more safely and efficiently.

Housekeeping is not something that should be done only at the end of the shift. Every employee is responsible for maintaining an orderly work area throughout the workday.

Keep Walking and Working Surfaces Clear

Aisles, walkways, stairs, and work areas must be kept free of hazards and unnecessary obstructions.

• Pick up tools, materials, cords, hoses, and debris as work progresses.
• Keep aisles, stairways, exits, and emergency equipment unobstructed.
• Do not leave materials where someone could trip over them.
• Route cords and hoses away from walkways whenever practical.
• Correct or report damaged flooring, loose materials, potholes, and other walking-surface hazards.
• Maintain adequate lighting in work and travel areas.

Never assume someone else will remove a hazard you notice.

Prevent Slips and Falls

Water, oil, grease, chemicals, mud, snow, and other substances can create dangerous walking surfaces.

• Clean up spills promptly when trained and authorized to do so.
• Use appropriate warning signs or barricades until the hazard has been eliminated.
• Report spills involving hazardous substances and follow applicable spill-response procedures.
• Keep entrances as dry as practical during rain or snow.
• Use absorbent mats or other controls where water is routinely tracked indoors.
• Wear footwear appropriate for workplace conditions.

If you cannot safely correct a slippery condition yourself, protect the area and report it immediately.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Place waste and debris in designated containers rather than allowing it to accumulate.

• Use the proper receptacle for the type of waste.
• Empty containers before they become overfilled.
• Keep combustible waste away from ignition sources.
• Follow company procedures for hazardous or contaminated waste.
• Never allow trash to accumulate in aisles, stairways, exits, or around equipment.

Good waste management also reduces fire hazards and keeps emergency evacuation routes accessible.

Handle Broken Glass and Sharp Objects Safely

Never pick up broken glass, exposed nails, sharp metal, or similar objects with bare hands.

• Wear appropriate gloves when handling sharp materials.
• Use a broom, dustpan, tongs, or another suitable tool when practical.
• Place sharp objects in containers that will prevent punctures or cuts.
• Remove or bend over protruding nails when appropriate.
• Warn others until the hazard has been removed.

Store Tools and Equipment Properly

Tools and equipment should have designated storage locations.

• Return tools to their proper locations after use.
• Do not leave tools on floors, stairs, ladders, scaffolds, or elevated surfaces.
• Store equipment where it will not obstruct walkways or emergency access.
• Secure items that could roll, slide, or fall.
• Keep frequently used equipment readily accessible without creating a hazard.
• Remove defective tools and equipment from service according to company procedures.

Proper storage protects both employees and equipment.

Stack and Store Materials Safely

Improperly stored materials can shift, collapse, or fall onto employees.

• Stack materials on stable, level surfaces.
• Do not stack materials higher than can be safely supported.
• Secure materials that could roll, slide, or topple.
• Keep heavier materials at lower levels when practical.
• Maintain required clearance around electrical equipment, fire protection equipment, and emergency exits.
• Do not exceed floor, rack, shelf, or storage-system load capacities.
• Keep storage areas orderly so materials can be retrieved without disturbing unstable stacks.

Never climb on stored materials, shelving, boxes, or other makeshift surfaces to reach an item.

Maintain Access to Emergency Equipment

Housekeeping must never interfere with emergency response.

Keep clear access to:

• Fire extinguishers.
• Emergency exits and exit routes.
• Electrical panels and disconnects.
• First-aid equipment.
• Eyewash stations and emergency showers.
• Spill-response equipment.
• Emergency alarms and controls.

Never temporarily store materials in front of emergency equipment.

Correct Hazards as You Find Them

Employees should continuously watch for changing workplace conditions.

When you identify a housekeeping hazard:

1. Correct it immediately if you can do so safely and are authorized to do so.
2. Protect or isolate the area when immediate correction is not possible.
3. Report the condition to your supervisor or other appropriate person.
4. Do not assume someone else has reported the problem.

End-of-Task and End-of-Shift Cleanup

Although housekeeping should occur continuously, every task should include cleanup as part of the work.

Before leaving the area:

• Remove scrap and waste.
• Return tools and equipment to proper storage.
• Coil or properly store cords and hoses.
• Clean spills and residues.
• Secure stored materials.
• Remove unnecessary barricades only when the hazard no longer exists.
• Leave aisles, stairs, and exits clear.

The job is not complete until the work area has been left in a safe condition.

Remember

Good housekeeping is everyone’s responsibility. Keeping work areas clean and orderly prevents injuries, protects equipment, improves productivity, and makes hazards easier to recognize.

Don’t walk past a housekeeping hazard—correct it or report it.