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April 8, 2022 Blog Cleaning Workplace

Essential Tips for Keeping Your Cleaning Staff Safe

Workers in the cleaning industry are often unsung heroes, but they deserve a major round of applause. They work hard to make sure that the spaces we occupy for work and leisure are not only tidy and presentable but sanitary and safe. Their safety is important as well. There are a number of occupational hazards associated with the cleaning industry which can cause lasting health problems, chronic pain and even loss of life. Repetitive motion, slip and fall and other injuries are incredibly common, especially among hotel housekeepers and janitors. These hazards cost billions each year in medical and productivity costs. Luckily, there are affordable resources that improve the work conditions and health outcomes for those who provide cleaning services. 

The Simple Scrub is founded on the idea that cleaning shouldn’t be a painful or risky experience. We provide tools, products and helpful information to make cleaning safer and simpler not just for individual consumers, but also for the cleaning staff of lodging facilities, office buildings, restaurant and retail spaces as well as employees of residential and commercial cleaning companies. 

Keep reading for our simple but essential tips for keeping your cleaning staff safe. 

1. Eliminate Dangerous Chemicals

Green cleaning products have become a trend as consumer behaviors become more environmentally conscious. But environmental concerns aren’t the only reason to cut hazardous chemicals from our cleaning repertoire, especially for the cleaning industry. Most commercial and residential cleaning products contain harmful components like 2-Butoxyethanol, ammonia, chlorine and other harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals are dangerous, and are especially damaging to occupational cleaners due to regular exposure. Caustic chemicals cause burns and irritation of the skin, eyes and nose. A number of common cleaning chemicals have been linked to cancer, respiratory ailments like COPD and asthma, and reproductive issues. Have your cleaning business cut these products wherever possible, and opt for people-safe all-purpose cleaners

2. Provide Personal Protective Equipment and Training

Protecting your cleaning staff means giving them the tools to make safe choices. Because cleaning staff are among the most at-risk workers in the private sector, they need the appropriate personal protective equipment to make their work as safe as possible. This includes non-slip footwear, eye protection, gloves, face masks and more. You may also opt to provide knee pads, back braces and other items that can help reduce pressure, strain and repetitive motion injuries. Make sure your cleaning business provides training for the proper handling of chemicals, use of PPE and methods for relieving physical tension and stress. It’s also important to ensure the efficacy of the training through observation, guidance and regular refresher courses. This investment will increase the health, longevity and effectiveness of your staff. 

3. Equip Your Cleaning Staff with Ergonomic Tools

Musculoskeletal disorders are alarmingly frequent among cleaning staff harming their quality of life as well as cleaning service companies’ bottom line. Most occupational cleaners report living with daily pain and limited mobility as their tenure progresses. Equipping your team with ergonomic tools is essential for limiting the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomically designed tools reduce stress on the body, improve posture, prevent muscular overuse and can help eliminate the injuries and disorders these things cause. Keeping your cleaning staff in safe and comfortable positions through ergonomics is not only beneficial to their long-term health and happiness, but improves the quality of their work and retention. 

Keep Your Cleaning Staff Safe with The Simple Scrub

The Simple Scrub was founded to put an end to the pain associated with household cleaning. As we’ve grown, our signature tool has become a helpful resource for commercial and residential cleaning companies, janitorial services and office cleaning staff. Ergonomically designed, The Simple Scrub has a long handle and slight curve, enabling occupational cleaners to maintain a safe and comfortable posture while cleaning floors, walls and even ceilings. The Simple Scrub eliminates the need to get down on one’s knees or perch precariously while straining to reach high spots. It can even help reduce slip and fall risks. The Simple Scrub also offers Simple Spray, a people-safe, all-purpose cleaner and degreaser.  Used in tandem, The Simple Scrub and The Simple Spray sharply reduce the hazards associated with occupational cleaning. Visit our hotel and industrial site today and help your cleaning business and staff stay safe, healthy and strong.