Slips, trips and falls are the most frequent causes of accidents in the cleaning sector and are the cause of bruises, sp
H&S Employee Handbook 06 20/9/06 9:48 am Page 7
Health and Safety Awareness Employee Handbook
1. Slips, Trips and Falls Slips, trips and falls are the most frequent causes of accidents in the cleaning sector and are the cause of bruises, sprains, cuts and broken bones. Most of these accidents can be avoided by observing common sense preventative measures. The main factors that cause workers to slip or fall over are:
• • •
Slippery or Uneven Floors Fixed and Temporary Obstacles Working on Stairs
• • •
Inadequate Lighting Safety Signs Working at Height
Issues
The state of floors can be affected by any one or a combination of elements and circumstances that can increase the risks of people slipping, tripping or falling over.
Hazards
Floors made slippery by the products used on them. Wet, soapy or greasy floors, polished parquet floor, etc. Floors that are naturally slippery i.e. tiled, marble, terrazzo. Uneven or damaged floors.
Measures
Slippery or Uneven Floors
Make sure floors are left as dry as possible immediately after cleaning. Wear suitable shoes; fastened, flat with flexible indented soles. Use warning signs to alert others of the danger
Issues
Fixed or temporary obstacles that can cause people to slip or fall over can be found anywhere in buildings, but in particular they are to be found in places where people are constantly coming and going.
Hazards
Cables from cleaning machinery, computers, telephones and other electrical equipment. Machines and appliances. Furniture. Toys, play equipment, storage boxes, tools, coat stands, etc.
Measures
Fixed or Temporary Obstacles
Prior to cleaning, make sure you clear as much of the floor as possible. Do not obstruct surface areas and areas where people congregate with electrical equipment and associated cleaning materials. Use warning signs to alert others of the danger.
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H&S Employee Handbook 06 20/9/06 9:48 am Page 8
Health and Safety Awareness Employee Handbook
Issues
Due to the uneven and awkward nature of stairs, the risk of falling while working is unavoidably high.
Hazards
Badly lit stairs, stairs without handrails, banisters or balustrades. Stairs that are damaged, slippery or have loose carpeting. Stairs that are too steep, narrow or awkward (e.g. spiral)
Measures
Working on Stairs
Make sure that suitable footwear is worn at all times. If the stairs are carpeted, check that it is well fixed. Keep stairs clear of objects, trailing machinery wires and other debris.
Issues
Poor lighting on stairs, corridors, entrance and exit areas. Damaged lights and electrical circuits and switches.
Measures
Poor lighting can prevent you from being aware of slippery surfaces or objects blocking your way.
Hazards
Inadequate Lighting
Make sure that there is adequate lighting before commencing work. Report any faults with the lighting in any given area to the person in charge of the building. Never, under any circumstances, attempt to work in the dark.
Issues
Absence of safety signs giving a clear warning of dangerous areas i.e. corridors, thoroughfares, areas with uneven surfaces.
Measures
Your employer must provide safety signs when the risks of people slipping or falling over cannot be removed by taking other measures. It is important to observe these safety signs.
Hazards
Safety Signs
Make sure you familiarise yourself with the meaning of each of the signs and obey them at all times.
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H&S Employee Handbook 06 20/9/06 9:48 am Page 9
Health and Safety Awareness Employee Handbook
Issues
You may be occasionally required to clean objects above head height that will sometimes involve the use of a stepladder. This creates an increased risk of falling if great care is not taken when carrying out duties that require the use of a ladder.
Hazards
Using items of furniture (particularly chairs) instead of suitable access equipment. Incorrect use of stepladders, over-reaching and over-balancing whilst attempting to reach remote work areas.
Measures
Working at Height
Do not use makeshift stepladders. Take the time to install a suitable stepladder. Make sure that the stepladder is in good condition and can be firmly positioned on the floor. Make sure that the floor is in good condition and that you are wearing suitable footwear. Do not over-reach on the stepladder and use harnesses if required.
2. Manual Handling and Working Posture Frequent manual handling of heavy and awkward equipment is unavoidable in the cleaning industry. As cleaners, you are routinely required to handle waste bins, move and lift cleaning machinery and move furniture and cleaning materials. You are required to carry out most of your duties whilst standing up and frequent and rapid changes in your working posture are required. You will also need to walk, bend over and kneel down, depending on the area in which you are working. Failure to observe the basic rules of correct manual handling and working posture could result in the following kinds of injuries or conditions:
BRUISES / LESIONS
BROKEN LIMBS
Contact and crushing injuries as a result of moving, lifting or handling equipment.
When a machine or other object falls or collides with a foot, arm, hand, leg, shoulder or ankle.
SCRATCHES OR CUTS
MUSCULAR/BONE INJURIES
Caused by handling bins or other items that are sharp or contain sharp objects.
Back problems, aches and pains in the upper and lower limbs.
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