James Nokes Editor

Come visit us at build-a-business.com (we're always adding new content) Email address: jfntci@aol.com The Cleaning Institute 955 Karol Way, #3 San Leandro, CA 94577

 Tips for Reducing Personal Injuries 

Injuries to yourself or your employees are too expensive (and painful) to risk. First and foremost your work goal should be safety. So, here is a brief list of things you can do to reduce the chance of on the job injury.

Companies that require their custodians to wear back support belts realize a sharp drop-off in reported injuries.

Poor lighting is a double-hazard on the job. It's very tiring to work without proper lighting, which makes for problems all its own. And it's easy for people to make mistakes in bad lighting that they wouldn't otherwise. So make sure your people have enough light to work safely in.

Ensure your people use proper, slip-resistant shoes for floor stripping. As my first boss told me, years ago, "this stuff is slipperier than snail snot." Only he didn't use the word, snot.

Don't let your people risk injuring their backs carrying around supplies in five gallon containers. You can buy cleaning chemicals in these large sizes for the low price but transfer them into smaller, clearly-marked, one gallon containers for use on the job.

 Fatigue Increases Risks for Cleaners 

Janitorial work is hard and working extra hours isn't just tiring and more expensive (overtime for your employees) it also greatly increases the likelihood of injury. This is both the result of personal injuries and also injuries due to errors in judgement.

Errors in judgement can include such things as failure to don appropriate safety gear, failure to mix chemicals properly, or mix chemicals that can react with violence (blow up) or produce toxins are just some of the potential disasters that can be caused by cleaner fatigue.

 Limit Use of Disinfectants 

Disinfectants are special chemicals designed to kill germs on surfaces where these harmful microorganisms commonly reside and grow. They are generally more toxic than general purpose cleaning products. It’s not necessary or wise to use them for every cleaning job. So, unless you are required to use them by the terms of your cleaning contract don't.

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