TOOLBOX TALK/SAFETY TALK

HOUSEKEEPING
Housekeeping is as essential to the day-to-day operation of a company as a risk assessment. Good
housekeeping is the responsibility of all those involved in the workplace, whether the company is big or
small.

You might think it’s a waste of time. But, if you spend just a few minutes cleaning up, you can reduce the
risk of injury by preventing someone from slipping or tripping over and seriously injuring themselves. You
could even be the victim of your own clutter!

What’s at stake?
Effective housekeeping can eliminate some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly.
Poor housekeeping can cause accidents by hiding hazards that cause injuries. If the sight of paper, debris,
clutter and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious health and safety hazards may be taken for
granted.

What’s the danger?

Here are 7 reasons why you must keep your work area clean. Poor housekeeping can cause:
1. Tripping over of loose objects on the floors, stairs and platforms;
2. Fires and explosions;
3. Environmental pollution;
4. Striking against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material;
5. Injury due to falling objects;
6. Slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces; and
7. Cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other parts of the body.

Example 1
Jane, a cleaner in ABC Groceries Store fell and injured her hip after she tripped and fell over a newspaper
plastic binding (used to hold the newspapers together). She was unable to work for 5 months.

Example 2
Matthew was asked to off load the delivery vehicle. He off loaded the items next to the vehicle. He struggled
to lift a box and lost his balance forcing him to step off the vehicle and fall over the items he didn’t remove
while offloading the vehicle. As a result of the incident, he sustained back injuries and a broken leg. He was
unable to work for 4 months.

What are the benefits of good housekeeping practices?

Effective housekeeping results in:
 Reduced handling to ease the flow of materials
 Fewer tripping and slipping accidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas
 Decreased fire hazards
 Reduces exposure to hazardous substances
 Better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies
 Better hygienic conditions leading to improved health
 More effective use of space
 Improved morale
 Improved productivity
 Sufficient waste management program

Final word
Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation and is everyone’s responsibility. It’s an essential factor in a
good safety program, promoting safety, health, production, and morale.