FRSA Self Insurers Fund
We all know that a sure way to keep your workplace safe and organized is through a good housekeeping policy. Housekeeping refers to routine cleaning and organizing of the workplace. As housekeeping is an ongoing safety practice, orderly and clean conditions in the workplace should be maintained on a consistent basis, not restored after work conditions have slipped.
OSHA’s General Duty Clause states that employers are responsible for ensuring the work environment is safe for all employees. Keeping the workplace clean and free of clutter and debris is one of those responsibilities.
Every company must create its own housekeeping policy – a task that should not be taken lightly. Keeping things organized is a simple and effective way to reduce accidents like slips, trips and falls and it encourages good employee behavior. It also shows that safety is a priority for the employees as well as your company.
Keep the following in mind to maintain good housekeeping best practices:
Good housekeeping can also increase productivity – employees know where things are and will not waste time looking for tools or materials. Dirt and clutter can increase the possibility of injury to employees and could cause damage to tools and products.
Improper housekeeping can increase the risk of a variety of accidents. These include slipping accidents if wet or otherwise soiled surfaces are not cleaned, tripping accidents if objects are not cleared from floors and cuts or other punctures if sharp objects are not stored properly. Removing clutter from the workplace also improves safety by reducing visual distractions and removing objects that could potentially obscure hazards, making them easier to spot hazards in the work environment.
One common mistake employers make is scheduling all housekeeping tasks for the end of the shift. They’ll mark off 10 or 15 minutes to tidy and push around some brooms before everyone punches out.
That sounds like a good way to wind down the workday, but it also means workers have spent hours surrounded by clutter, debris, spills and the risks that come with them.
Keep your workers safe throughout the shift by encouraging them to perform housekeeping tasks throughout the workday. Some tasks should be handled as soon as there is a need for them, like wiping up anything that is spilled on a walking surface. Others can be scheduled at regular intervals, like sweeping the workspace every two hours.
Management should also schedule inspections to make sure housekeeping policies are followed and are adequate. If workers are following the plan but the workspace is still cluttered or disorganized, your safety team should modify the plan to rectify this.
Studies show that clean and tidy spaces are better for mental health and promote motivation. Proper organization may even free up space for additional storage and a clean and orderly workplace increases pride in the workplace. It also gives visitors or customers a good impression of your workplace.
Good housekeeping will help to prevent accidents and injuries and should become a habit used by employees and management.
Access to workers’ comp coverage is available to all FRSA members. To find out if you qualify for FRSA-SIF workers’ comp insurance, please contact Alexis at 800-767-3772, ext. 206 or email alexis@frsasif.com. To learn more about the FRSA Self Insurers Fund, please visit www.frsasif.com.
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