1-12-2026 - TBT - Poor Housekeeping Hazards

Housekeeping is not just for the home. Keeping a clean and tidy workplace is also highly important to ensure the safety of all employees. To avoid unnecessary injuries, it is essential that you practice good housekeeping at work.
A clean workspace will improve productivity and efficiency, and it is everyone's responsibility to contribute. All employees should do their part in keeping their work areas clean and clear.

Three types of hazards caused by poor housekeeping:
No matter how busy it gets, employee safety should be the focus in the workplace. You must follow established guidelines to help avoid unsafe conditions which can lead to injuries.
Good housekeeping habits have a major impact on workplace safety, while poor housekeeping exposes workers to several types of hazards, including:

1. Strain and sprain hazards:
One of the most important things that all workers should do is keep items in their proper places, up and off the floor. Leaving tools, equipment, and materials out in the way can result in trips and falls.
If heavy items are left out, this can also result in employees injuring themselves from trying to lift or move the heavy object, putting them at a greater risk of injuring themselves with a strain or sprain.
Don't cut corners and be sure to properly put away any tools or equipment after you finish using them. Items that do not belong on the floor should always be returned to where they belong, for the safety of all employees.

2. Laceration hazards:
In the workplace, there are many different types of objects that can cause lacerations. Whether you work in a construction site, warehouse, or manufacturing setting there are many tools and objects around you that have the potential to cause injury. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings and always clean up sharp items to avoid cuts.
Sharp objects can be found all over the workplace, and sometimes it isn't easy to see the risk. Remember that all sharp tools, sharp-edged materials jagged material, and any other item with a sharp edge can cause harm, even through gloves or clothing.
Keeping the work area clean and always putting away sharp objects when finished working with them will help you and your coworkers avoid accidental injuries.

3. Slip, trip, and fall hazards:
Depending on the area that you are working in, you may be exposed to different types of spill hazards. When good housekeeping habits are not observed, and spills are not cleared promptly, slips, trips, and falls become a big risk, just like when objects are left out in walkways.
Any areas that become contaminated with moisture, water, grease, oil, or any other liquid should be immediately cleaned to avoid any injuries.
Any shift in flooring levels should also be properly marked to avoid falls.

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