Ergonomics has been a "buzzword" throughout many office
buildings these days, but it is an area that many in the
cleaning industry have not addressed. Understanding ergonomics
along with using ergonomically designed products and procedures
in your cleaning business can prevent injuries and help your
employees perform their routine tasks better and more
efficiently.
The U.S. Department of Labor statistics suggests that of all
types of labor in America, cleaning personnel were fifth most
likely to be injured on the job. In the janitorial industry,
many of the injuries that occur are muscle and joint pain and
other related injuries. These injuries can be caused by the
constant, strenuous activity that is placed on cleaning workers.
Problems can occur as workers use awkward postures and positions
that are sustained for long periods of time. Rinsing out heavy
mops, washing down floors and walls, and lifting heavy trash
barrels can strain the back, neck, shoulders and wrists. The
problem intensifies as much of the work your employees do is
repetitive.
So what is an ergonomic product? Ergonomic products are designed
to fit the worker, rather than physically forcing the worker to
fit the equipment. The objective of using ergonomic products is
to reduce stress on the body. Plus, using ergonomic products and
performing cleaning tasks properly can help minimize injury.
By incorporating ergonomic equipment and techniques in to your
business procedures, you can help your workers stay injury free
and increase their productivity.
• When buying a vacuum make sure the handle is comfortable to
the grip and conforms to the user's hands. The vacuum should
also be lightweight. Brush assisted movement helps reduce stress
and makes vacuuming easier. The vibrations of vacuums is a risk
factor as it affects arms and wrists. Large wheels help cut down
on vibrations.
• Noise can cause fatigue and lower productivity. Look for
quieter operating machines when purchasing vacuums and floor
machines.
• Buckets and mops should be lightweight. Consider using a
microfiber flat mop as they are lighter and easier to handle
than the traditional string mops.
• Sprayers should have ergonomically designed handles that fit
well into a user's hand. Textured grips improve handling.
Cleaning workers should also be trained on how to perform
cleaning tasks properly. This will help to minimize injuries.
Following are a few key concepts to incorporate into your
training program:
• When mopping workers should move their feet from side to side
to reduce upper body strain.
• When cleaning, workers should stand upright and practice
looking up - as opposed to always looking down at the surface
being cleaned. Looking up will help to stretch the neck. Workers
should also take breaks at regular intervals.
• Workers should bend at the knees, not at the back.
• A relaxed grip should be used when handling tools and
equipment to reduce hand and wrist strain.
• Use carts to transport heavy trash. Bags should be lifted and
put into dumpsters and not tossed or thrown.
The cleaning industry as a whole has been slow to improve on the
ergonomics of cleaning equipment and in training their employees
on proper cleaning techniques. Those businesses that do start to
integrate ergonomics into their procedures will have a major
advantage over other cleaning firms. Making a few simple
adjustments in purchasing and training, will help your employees
be more productive and contribute to the success of your
business.
About the author:
Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM),
an online community for owners and managers of cleaning
companies who want to build a more profitable and successful
cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at
http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift! Read
cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies at
http://www.cleaning-success.com/.
