Housekeeping is an essential part of any workplace. Not only does it make the workplace look and feel nicer, but it also helps to keep employees safe and healthy. In this blog post, we will go over the requirements for good housekeeping practices in the workplace. We will also discuss some benefits of having a clean and organized workspace.
General Requirements For Good Housekeeping Practices
Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of death.
Housekeeping
The employer must ensure the following:
- All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms and walking-working surfaces are kept clean, orderly, and sanitary.
- Each workroom’s floor is maintained clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition. When wet processes are used, drainage must be maintained, and to the extent feasible, dry-standing places, such as false floors, platforms, and mats, must be provided.
- Walking-working surfaces are free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.
Loads
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for all your employees. One way you can do this is by ensuring that the walking-working surfaces in your facility can handle the maximum weight load they will encounter. This should be done through regular inspections and testing of the surfaces’ structural integrity to check for any damage or degradation that could cause workers to slip, trip, or fall.
Additionally, you should place warning signs near hazardous areas and keep any items used for work operations from blocking traffic flow on walking-working surfaces. By taking these steps, you can provide peace of mind for your employees and help ensure their safety in the workplace.
Access and egress
Employers are responsible for providing their employee’s safe access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces. This is essential for maintaining employee safety on-site, especially in workplaces requiring elevated surfaces or frequent staircases. Employers should ensure each employee has the necessary safety equipment before accessing a walking-working surface, such as the proper footwear, slip-prevention devices, ladders, etc.
Doing so will ensure employees can safely access surfaces they must work on or traverse throughout the day. Employees must constantly be reminded to observe all posted warnings and follow accepted practices when performing tasks involving exposed edges of elevated surfaces. To keep everyone safe at work, employers must take proactive steps to provide and maintain a safe means of access and egress on all walking-working surfaces.
Inspection, maintenance, and repair
The employer must ensure the following:
- Walking-working surfaces are inspected regularly and as necessary and maintained in a safe condition;
- Hazardous conditions on walking-working surfaces are corrected or repaired before an employee uses the walking-working surface again. If the correction or repair cannot be made immediately, the hazard must be guarded to prevent employees from using the walking-working surface until the hazard is corrected or repaired; and
- When any correction or repair involves the structural integrity of the walking-working
surface, a qualified person performs or supervises the correction or repair.
Additional Requirements For Good Housekeeping Practices
1. Keeping The Workplace Neat And Tidy
One of the most important steps in good housekeeping is keeping the workplace neat and tidy. All areas should be cleaned regularly, including desks, computer stations, countertops, and other surfaces. It also means keeping walkways clear of clutter and obstructions so employees can move freely without tripping or slipping hazards.
2. Organizing Supplies And Materials
Another important aspect of housekeeping is organizing supplies and materials. This includes both tools and equipment as well as paperwork and filing systems. A well-organized workspace will ensure that items are easy to find when needed and prevent accidents from happening due to clutter.
3. Establishing A Waste Disposal Plan
Having a good waste disposal plan is essential for good housekeeping practices. All items must be appropriately disposed of in designated areas, and any hazardous materials must be handled according to safety guidelines. Proper waste management will help to keep the work environment clean and safe for everyone.
4. Maintaining Good Hygiene Practices
Good hygiene practices are also crucial for good housekeeping. This involves keeping the workplace free from dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can cause health problems for employees. Additionally, it is important to provide proper handwashing supplies and cleaning materials to keep surfaces clean and sanitary.
5. Regular Inspections And Maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance are also crucial for good housekeeping practices. This means that all workspace areas should be checked periodically to identify any potential hazards or issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, it is important to properly maintain equipment and tools to keep them in good working condition.
6. Developing Standard Operating Procedures
Having standard operating procedures in place is also important for good housekeeping practices. These should include detailed instructions on how to properly store, handle, and dispose of materials and guidelines for emergency situations. Developing these procedures will ensure that all employees are aware of the proper protocol and can follow it accordingly.
7. Encouraging Employees To Follow Housekeeping Practices
Finally, it is important to encourage employees to follow good housekeeping practices. This can be done by providing incentives for those who follow the guidelines, such as rewards or recognition. Additionally, regular training sessions and reminders will help ensure everyone remains aware of the importance of proper housekeeping in the workplace.
8. Having A Clean And Organized Workspace
Having a clean and organized workspace is beneficial for both employers and employees. Not only does it help to improve morale, but it also helps to reduce workplace hazards and illnesses. Additionally, having a clean and organized workspace can even help to boost productivity as employees can focus more easily on the task at hand.
In conclusion, good housekeeping practices are essential for a safe and productive work environment. It is important to ensure that all areas are kept clean and organized, supplies and materials are appropriately stored, waste disposal plans are in place, and employees are encouraged to follow best practices. By following these guidelines, employers can help create an efficient workspace and ensure the health and well-being of their employees.
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