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If your employees are properly trained in all aspects of health and safety including workplace hazards, you will greatly reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the workplace.  As an employer you have the main responsibility for managing work hazards and training employees in the types of safety problems they may face in their cleaning work.

The situations below outline some common hazards cleaners may encounter, the risks involved and possible solutions to avoid injury.

Hazard Damaged electrical cords on vacuum cleaners, floor polishers and other cleaning machinery.

Risk Electric shocks, burns; possibly death.

Solution Employ a qualified, licensed electrical contractor to fix damaged or faulty cords.

Inspect and maintain equipment regularly.

Hazard Walking on slippery floors after mopping.

Risk Slips, trips and falls.

Solution Use auto-scrubbers.

Use barricades to separate people from wet areas.

Use portable signs to warn people.

Hazard Lifting heavy cartons/equipment.

Risk Permanent damage to the back, muscles and ligaments.

Solution Use a trolley to move heavy items.

Ask other cleaning team members to help you lift heavy items.

Get training in safe work practices and lifting techniques.

Hazard Sharp objects, particularly needles hidden in bins.

Risk Cuts and serious infections such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV.

Solution Use garbage bags made of tough canvas instead of plastic.

Carry all plastic garbage bags in trolleys, not by hand.

Get training in the safe handling of sharps.

Hazard Using chemicals and hazardous substances.

Risk Skin irritation, chemical poisoning and/or burns, occupational asthma and diseases such as cancer.

Solution Ensure all chemicals and hazardous substances are correctly labelled.

Provide a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every chemical and hazardous substance.

Ensure appropriate training is provided in the safe handling, use and disposal of chemicals and hazardous substances.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.

The Importance of Health and Safety Training for your Cleaners

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