Promoting Health And Safety Among Cleaning Staff

We live in an age of wonder that includes looking out to the far reaches of space, exploring the ocean depths and learning more each day about the invisible world around us. Scientists tell us that we have between six to nine pounds of microorganisms (mostly benign) on our skin and in our digestive track. It appears that we cannot live without many of these symbiotic relationships where the bacterium feeds off our bodies while helping our immune systems fight off deadly pathogens.  We have learned that our bodies oftentimes harbor viruses and bacterium that can be fatal if allowed to spread, yet our bodies are able to keep them in check to a miraculous degree.

In a prior article, I touched on the Five Questions we all have with question number three being “Why do you want me to do it?” as it relates to training and motivating workers to allow time for disinfectants to work (usually five to ten minutes) so that they buy into the reasons for cleaning the way we do.  Following are some other points for our workers to consider for their own health:

1. Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) even when there does not appear to be a need to do so. You may observe workers not wearing gloves while cleaning a safe area and forgetting they just touched unsafe areas. Gloves and proper procedures can protect them from potential infection.

2. Teach them how to flush a toilet or urinal so that it does not "sneeze" back into their face just as they are taking an in a breath of air. One vendor has an excellent slow motion video on You Tube that dramatically demonstrates the need for face masks and proper flushing.

3. Each time they take off their gloves, they should promptly wash their hands with soap and water, dry thoroughly and dispose of the gloves without their contacting skin, clothing or other surfaces.

4. Eat right, exercise and stay healthy since their bodies can fight off attacks if their immune system is strong and working as it should.

Simply explaining why they should do these things and other safe practices is an indication that you care about them, their health and also their work.  

I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.