Housekeeping refers to day-to-day cleanliness, tidiness and good order in all parts of our workplace.

Benefits of Good Housekeeping Practices

Good housekeeping implies that a workplace is kept in an organized, uncluttered, and hazard-free condition. While this is a relatively simple concept, the benefits that can be realized from good housekeeping practices are far reaching, and affect not only workers’ safety but also their health and productivity. Improvements in worker health and productivity, in turn, lead to lower operating costs thereby providing benefits to both the workers and the employer.

 Good housekeeping is not just about cleanliness; it lays the basic foundation for accident and fire prevention. It requires attention to details, such as the layout of the worksite or facility, identification and marking of physical hazards, ensuring the adequate number of storage facilities, and routine maintenance. Here are some of the many benefits that can be gained when implementing good workplace housekeeping:

10 tips for workplace housekeeping

Experts agree that all workplace safety programs should incorporate housekeeping, and every worker should play a part. In addition, housekeeping should have management’s commitment so workers realize its importanc

1.Prevent slips, trips and falls

• To help prevent slip, trip and fall incidents, Some safety recommends the following:
• Report and clean up spills and leaks.
• Keep aisles and exits clear of items.
• Consider installing mirrors and warning signs to help with blind spots.
• Replace worn, ripped or damage flooring.
• Consider installing anti-slip flooring in areas that can’t always be cleaned.
• Use drip pans and guards.

2.Eliminate fire hazards

• Keep combustible materials in the work area only in amounts needed for the job. When they are unneeded, move them to an assigned safe storage area.
• Keep materials at least 18 inches away from automatic sprinklers, fire extinguishers 
• Store quick-burning, flammable materials in designated locations away from ignition sources.
• Avoid contaminating clothes with flammable liquids. Change clothes if contamination occurs.

3.Control dust

• The standard states that vacuuming is the “preferred” method of cleaning.
• Sweeping and water wash-down are other options.
• “Blow-downs” using compressed air or steam is allowed for inaccessible or unsafe surfaces.                                                                               

4.Lighting

Sufficient lighting must be provided, whether it is from a natural or artificial source, to allow safe movement around the workplace and to allow workers to perform their job without having to adopt awkward postures or strain their eyes to see.

• The following factors should be taken into account: 
• the nature of the work activity 
• the nature of hazards and risks in the workplace 
• the work environment 
• illumination levels, including both natural and artificial light