Practicing Good Workplace Housekeeping
In order to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, housekeeping must be a priority. Poor housekeeping can lead to injuries and illnesses by hiding hazards. Effective housekeeping can not only eliminate hazards, but it can also provide a more productive work environment. Recognizing and correcting poor housekeeping practices is important. Recognized hazards should be corrected immediately if it safe to do so, otherwise the hazards should be report immediately to a supervisor or the appropriate personnel so that the hazards can be corrected. Everyone plays a role in maintaining good workplace housekeeping.Below are some benefits of effective housekeeping, signs of poor housekeeping and some steps that can be taken to improve workplace housekeeping.
Benefits of Effective Housekeeping
- Fewer accidents and near-misses (e.g. eliminates falling object and slip, trip and fall hazards)
- Decreased fire hazards
- Decreased risk in exposure to hazardous materials
- Better hygienic conditions
- More effective use of work space
- Improved morale
- Improved emergency response
- Improved control of inventory
- Creates a good impression (Faculty, staff, students, visitors and inspectors)
Signs of poor housekeeping
- Cluttered or poorly organized work spaces
- Untidy or dangerous storage of materials (e.g. dangerous stacking of materials or overcrowded shelves)
- Dusty/dirty floors or work surfaces
- Storage of items no longer needed or used
- Blocked or cluttered aisles and exits
- Broken furniture and equipment
- Leaking or broken product containers
- Spills and leaks
Steps to Improve Housekeeping
- Follow safe work practices and procedures
- Set aside time regularly to address housekeeping in your work space
- Return supplies and other items to designated storage locations after use
- Keep work spaces clean and tidy
- Keep aisles and exits unobstructed
- Keep floors clean and dry
- Stack and store items safely
- Store all work materials in approved containers
- Label all secondary chemical containers
- Store chemicals properly (e.g. flammables products in approved flammable cabinets)
- Clean up spills and leaks immediately
- Have broken equipment and furniture repaired
- Do not block lighting sources, including emergency lighting
- Remove trash and cardboard from work spaces regularly