Why should we pay attention to housekeeping at work?

[Guest guest]

Effective housekeeping can eliminate

some workplace hazards and help get a job done safely and properly. Poor

housekeeping can frequently contribute to 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.

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 of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire

hazards from work areas. It also requires paying attention to important

details such as the layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy

of storage facilities, and maintenance. Good housekeeping is also a basic

part of accident and fire prevention.

Effective housekeeping is an ongoing

operation: it is not a hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Periodic

" panic " cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing accidents.

What is the purpose of workplace housekeeping?

Poor housekeeping can be a cause of

accidents, such as:

· tripping

over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms

· being

hit by falling objects

· slipping

on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces

· striking

against 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 steel strapping.

To avoid these hazards, a workplace

must " maintain " order throughout a workday. Although this effort

requires a great deal of management and planning, the benefits are many.

What are some 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.

· lower

worker exposures to hazardous substances.

· better

control of tools and materials.

· 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.

· improved

morale.

Regards

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" Don't think it is Safe

Make sure it is Safe "

P. Rajmohan,

HSE Cell,

pricol Ltd,

132,Ooty main road,

Coimbatore - 641 020.

Off: +91 422 4331532

Fax: + 91 422 4331122

Email: rajmohanp@...

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