Tool Box Talk - House Keeping at workplace

INTRODUCTION

"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression." Never has this phrase been so true as when it comes to housekeeping at work. The negative impressions and implications of poor housekeeping can affect you and co-workers for a long time to come. Morale is lowered for most people who must function every day in a messy, disorderly work environment, although they may not be aware of the cause.

Here are some results of poor housekeeping practices:

• Injuries, when employees trip, fall, strike or are struck by out-of-place objects;

• Injuries from using improper tools because the correct tool can't be found;

• Lowered production because of the time spent manoeuvring over and around someone else's mess, and time spent looking for proper tools and materials;

• Time spent investigating and reporting accidents that could have been avoided;

• Fires due to improper storage and disposal of flammable or combustible materials and wastes;

• Substandard quality of finished products because of production schedule delays, damaged or defective finishes, ill-equipped employees, etc.;

• Lack of future work due to a reputation for poor quality;

• "Wall-to-wall" OSHA inspections due to the "first impression" of the compliance officer.

General housekeeping rules to remember are:

• Clean up after yourself. Pick up your trash and debris and dispose of it properly, or place it where it will not pose a hazard to others. Institute a routine cleaning schedule.

• Keep your work area clean throughout the day. This will minimize the amount of time needed to clean a "larger mess" at the end of the day.

• Dispose of combustibles and flammables properly. If improperly discarded, they will increase the potential for a fire.

• Remove protruding nails and other sharp objects or hammer them flat to prevent someone from stepping on them or snagging themselves.

• Stack materials and supplies orderly and secure them so they won't topple.

• Keep work areas clear of debris that creates a tripping hazard.

• Walkways to the work area must be clear. At least a 3 foot wide path.

• Pay special attention to stairways, doorways, entrances and ladder access areas.

• Keep them clear of debris and trip hazards. No material or tools stored on stairs and landings.

• Route electrical cords to the side of walking paths and keep them out of doorways to avoid damage to the cord and trip hazards.

• Nails in scrap lumber must be bent over or removed.

• Floors, platforms, stairs, and landings must be free of ice, or other slippery conditions.

• Stack materials safely. No higher than 2 pallets high and keep it level.

• Have adequate number of trash cans, and regularly dispose of the trash

“A clean floor everyday keeps lost days away”

#safety #health #housekeeping #toolboxtalk