The Problem

An often overlooked aspect of green cleaning is protecting the health and safety of the worker. With all the mopping, lifting, exposure to contaminated surfaces, and so on, reducing work-related injuries and disease is of great importance to the cleaning industry.

For Example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regards custodial workers as highly likely to suffer injury while performing their duties. They are ranked fifth among occupations likely to suffer from Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). These injuries are the result of the same group of muscles being used over and over performing awkward motions - and doing it quickly. Another common problem is back injury. It is the number one workplace safety problem. In fact, more than one million workers suffer from back injuries every year - 75% of those occur while lifting. Thus, Custodians are very vulnerable to injury from frequent lifting. Add wet floors into the equation and the threat of injury multiplies, as do worker's compensation claims and absenteeism.

In addition, while cleaning, workers are commonly exposed to disease transfer points and contaminated surfaces that can result in further illness and absenteeism.

By taking the right steps to prevent work-related injury and illness, you can produce a team of healthy workers, who are happier and more productive. Here are some ways to improve safety in your facility:

Look for environmentally-friendly chemicals. In addition, read all the labels on chemical products and have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available. Never mix chemicals, and know proper dilution ratios for your products. Look for systems, such as Kaivac's No-Touch Cleaning™ equipment, that minimize the number of chemicals necessary to clean a building. These systems also utilize metering tips for accurate dilution.

Ergonomic equipment is designed to naturally fit custodians, rather than forcing them to strain and adapt to the equipment. By decreasing the amount of stress on the human body, ergonomic equipment is able to reduce work related injuries. Look for equipment such as Kaivac's No-Touch Cleaning machines and ergo-mopping systems that are ergonomically designed to minimize bending and lifting.

Custodial workers risk frequent exposure to bacteria, contaminated surfaces, hazardous materials, and other harmful substances. Kaivac's No-Touch Cleaning process segregates workers from dangerous exposure to contaminants such as these.

A government study has shown that slip-fall injuries cause 15% of all accidental deaths — second to motor vehicle crashes. There are numerous scenarios that prompt slip and fall accidents, and many methods of preventing them.

• Create a safety perimeter when performing floor cleaning tasks (use appropriate signage to clearly mark the area).
• Utilize floor mats.
• In the wintertime, remove all ice and snow from pedestrian walkways and stairs.
• Use a degreasing solution on greasy floors.
• Use a high-traction floor finish.
• Wear non-slip shoes.

Also, look for systems, such as Kaivac's No-Touch Cleaning machines, that leave floors clean and dry and minimize the possibility of slip-fall injuries for workers and building occupants.

Wearing the proper clothing will protect skin from harmful exposure to cleaning chemicals and disease-causing bacteria. Sport non-slip shoes that are free of grease and mud, disposable gloves, safety goggles, dust masks, and wear long sleeved shirts with pants — even in the summer.

In situations where lifting is required, use proper body mechanics. To begin, squat close to the object needing to be lifted. Then, with your knees bent, hold the object close to your body. Keeping your back straight, use your legs to lift the object. Use the same method to set the object down. If an object is too heavy to carry, find help and avoid an injury.

Alert someone in the facility that you are going to be using the ladder in case of an accident. When setting up a ladder, it is essential to ensure stability. Make sure that the ground is level and the feet do not slide. Make sure that your shoes are free of all soils and grease.

Educate your workers on the construction of your facility. Create a comprehensive diagram locating the utility shutoffs, utility lines, fire suppression systems, and so on.

Investing into the health and safety of your workers is an investment into the care of your facility. Equipping workers properly, thoroughly training on the proper cleaning processes, and detailing safety procedures will ultimately increase the morale of your workers — the core component in the cleanliness of your facility. This not only improves productivity, but it also reduces turnover and absenteeism. Empower your workers with the right equipment and the correct practices, and create a safer, green facility — one which is cleaned with pride.