29 8

319 -1

Keep it clean to keep it safe

ISSN 1

Why should we pay attention to housekeeping at work? Because effective housekeeping can eliminate
some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and efficiently. Poor housekeeping can frequently
contribute to incidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If debris, paper, clutter and spills are accepted
1 1
April 20

as normal, then other more serious health and safety hazards may be just out of sight.

What are the results of poor workplace housekeeping?

Poor housekeeping causes incidents such as:

Tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms.

Being hit by falling objects.
Slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces.
Striking projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material.
Cutting, puncturing or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body on projecting nails,
wire or strapping.

What are some benefits of good workplace housekeeping?

Effective housekeeping results in:

Reduced handling to ease the flow of materials.

Fewer tripping and slipping incidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas.
Decreased fire hazards.
Lower exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., dust, vapors).
Better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies.
More efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance.
Better hygienic conditions leading to improved health.
More effective use of space.
Reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance.
Less janitorial work.
Improved productivity (tools and materials are easy to find).

. sa


. sa
 29 8
319 -1

Workplace organization where safety meets sorting

ISSN 1

Good housekeeping is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly;
maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; and removing waste materials
1 1
April 20

(e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. Good housekeeping is a
basic part of incident and fire prevention.

Workplace checklist

Are floors clean and free of water, mud, grease, oil, waste and clutter?
Are leaks and spills cleaned up promptly?
Are traffic areas clear and free of obstacles such as electrical cords, air hoses or boxes?
Are exits and stairs clearly marked and unobstructed?
Are garbage cans used and emptied regularly?
Are unused materials disposed of or stored safely, rather than being allowed to
accumulate in out-of-the-way places?
Are stored materials safely stacked, correctly labeled and in proper order?
Are stairways and doorways kept clear and well-lit?
Are oily rags stowed in approved covered metal containers?
Are hazardous materials kept in clearly and correctly labeled authorized containers, away from sources of
ignition and other hazards?
Are flammable materials stored away from incompatible chemicals and sources of ignition?
Are machines and tools kept clean, free of oil and dust and properly maintained to prevent fires and incidents?
Are tools cleaned and put away after use?
Are workstations left clean at the end of each shift?
Are work surfaces and equipment checked regularly for jagged edges, rough surfaces, dangerous nails
and hooks, all of which could cause cuts, puncture wounds or eye injuries?
Are chairs and stools correctly placed to prevent tripping incidents? Are they in good repair, and when
damaged removed immediately so they cannot be used?
Are drawers and cabinet doors kept closed to prevent both tipping and tripping incidents?
Is smoking only allowed in designated areas and are ashtrays used?
Are bathrooms kept clean and dry?
Finally, do you monitor safety hazards and other problems and repair or report them immediately?

. sa


. sa