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Housekeeping
Safety
Practices
Good workplace housekeeping practices are key to achieving safe operations, preventing employee injuries, and improving worker productivity and morale. They’re also required under the OSHA 1915.81 standard, which says that all employers “shall establish and maintain good housekeeping practices to eliminate hazards to employees to the extent practicable.”
In essence, good housekeeping practices mean that your workplace is kept in an organized, uncluttered, and hazard-free condition. While specific housekeeping practices may vary among different operations, here are a few common practices to consider:
■ Make sure your buildings, equipment, and machinery are in safe, efficient working order and in good repair. Replace or fix broken or damaged items quickly as they can cause incidents and affect work practices.
■ Keep aisles, stairways, walkways, and emergency exits clean and clear of debris, tools, hoses, electrical service cords, equipment, and other objects that may create a slip/trip hazard for employees.
■ Eliminate slippery conditions—such as snow, ice, or spills—on walkways and working surfaces as necessary.
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