The word "ergonomics" has been around a lot of office building these days, yet the cleaning industry have not yet addressed the matter. By understanding ergonomics and using ergonomically designed products and procedures in your cleaning business can prevent accidents and help your employees work better and more efficiently.
Statistics show that of all kinds of labor in America, a cleaning crew is the fifth most likely person to be injured while working. In the janitorial industry, most of the injuries are of the muscle and joint pain and other related injuries. These can be caused by constant, strenuous activity placed on the cleaning workers. Problems may also occur while workers use awkward posture and positions that are kept for long periods of time. Activities such as rinsing of mops, washing down walls and floors and lifting of heavy trash containers can strain the neck, shoulders, back and wrists. And since much of the work is repetitive, the employees’ problem then intensifies.
Ergonomic products are specifically designed to fit the worker rather than having the worker fit to the equipment. Using ergonomic products has the objective of reducing stress on the workers. Moreover, utilizing ergonomic products and performing cleaning jobs properly can lessen injuries.
By combining ergonomic equipment and cleaning techniques into your business procedures, you’d be helping workers prevent injuries and increase their productivity.
To find ergonomic products and equipment, keep these in mind;
1. When buying vacuum cleaner, be sure that the handle is comfortable to grip and conforms to the user’s hand. It should also be lightweight. Vacuuming will be easier and stress reduced if it is brush assisted. The vacuums’ vibration is also on big risk factor as it affects the arms and wrist. Get vacuum with large wheels as it help cut down on vibrations.
2. Look for quieter operating machines when buying floor machines and vacuums are noise can also cause fatigue and drop in productivity.
3. Choose lightweight buckets and mops. Try using microfiber flat mops as they are easier to handle than the usual string mops.
4. Look for sprayers with ergonomically designed handles which fit well into a user’s hand. Handling is also improved with textured grips.
Workers should also be trained to perform their jobs properly to help minimize injuries. Here are a few key concepts that you can include into your training program:
1. Workers should move their feet from side to side to reduce upper body strain when mopping.
2. When cleaning, cleaners should stand upright and practice looking up rather than keep looking at the surface their cleaning. By looking up, they will be stretching their neck. Breaks at regular intervals are recommended for workers too.
3. Workers should bend their knees not their backs.
4. When handling tools and equipment, a relaxed grip is advised to reduce hand and wrist strain.
5. Use carts to transfer heavy trash, bags should be lifted and placed into dumpsters and not tossed to thrown.
The whole of cleaning industry has be quite slow to improve on the ergonomics of cleaning equipments as well as training their workers. Many businesses that have started to introduce ergonomics into their business procedures will have the upper hand over other cleaning businesses. By making simple adjustments in purchasing and training, your employees will be more productive and will be contributing a lot to the success of your business.
For more information:
How to Start A Cleaning Business
What Is Ergonomics And How Does It Affect Your Business 
Linear Mode
