Maintaining Workplace Safety Through Good Housekeeping

Workplace housekeeping—the act of maintaining clean and organized workspaces—may seem like a chore, but it can go a long way in preventing on-the-job injuries. In fact, good workplace housekeeping practices can reduce the following:

·         Clutter and, subsequently, injuries caused by slips and trips

·         Potential fire hazards

·         Employee exposure to hazardous dust and vapors

Employees play an active role in workplace safety. As such, it’s important to do the following when it comes to ensuring good workplace housekeeping:

·         Clean up after yourself. Above all, ensure that you pick up trash and dispose of it properly. Keep your work area clean throughout the day. Be sure to vacuum or wet sweep dusty areas as needed.

·         Ensure aisles and stairways are clear of hazards. Address potential slip, trip and fall hazards (e.g., protruding nails, spills and loose cords). Report all slips, trips and falls as soon as possible to help prevent future incidents.

·         Dispose of combustibles and flammable materials properly. If improperly discarded, these items can increase the potential for a fire.

·         Keep tools in their designated storage areas when they are not in use. In addition, materials and supplies should be stacked in an orderly manner and secured properly.

Keeping the above practices in mind not only ensures your own safety, but also protects the health and well-being of your peers. For questions regarding housekeeping practices, speak with your manager. 

Source: Zywave, 2019.